The Andrews Labor Government is boosting accessibility at two popular inland boating locations in Gippsland to ensure every Victorian can enjoy a day out on the water.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny visited Blue Rock Lake and Lake Glenmaggie where planning and design works for future accessibility upgrades will take place as part of the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23.
With funding delivered from boaters’ registration and licence fees, the package includes upgrades to a range of boating infrastructure across the state, including ramps, car parks, pontoons and jetties.
At Blue Rock Lake, planning for an all-abilities pontoon to be installed at the Old Tanjil Road ramp near Willow Grove to give all boaters easy access to the water will commence.
The expansion of all-abilities boating access was identified as a priority in the development of the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy, which involved extensive consultation with boaters to determine the infrastructure priorities across the state through until 2030.
Blue Rock Lake is a popular inland fishing spot, stocked regularly with trout and native Australian bass by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA). Since 2019, the lake has received 150,000 bass fingerlings and 238,000 brown and rainbow trout – boosting freshwater fishing opportunities for years to come.
Further east near Heyfield, Lake Glenmaggie is among 23 sites across Victoria sharing in $3.45 million to extend one of the boat ramps – improving access to the water during times of low water levels.
Since 2018, 54,000 rainbow trout and nearly 140,000 bass fingerlings have been released into Lake Glenmaggie. Nearby at Lake Hyland, 800 catchable size rainbow trout were stocked today ahead of National Gone Fishing Day.
To learn more about the Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23, head to www.betterboating.vic.gov.au
Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny said “We’re continuing our investment in recreational boating across the state – improving safety and enhancing the boating experience across Victoria.”
“Through our significant investment in all-abilities boating facilities, we’re ensuring everyone has access to a day on the water with family and friends.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said “Reinvesting registration and licence fees into these projects ensure Lake Glenmaggie continues to provide boaters and their families with great experiences for years to come.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said “We’re ensuring better boating in eastern Victoria with improved access and freshly stocked waterways for lovals and visitors to enjoy year-round.”
