Boaters are being encouraged to have their say on proposed upgrades at the Werribee South boat ramp as part of planned improvements by the Andrews Labor Government.

Designed to make launching boats quicker and easier, the upgrade is just one project in an unprecedented investment to improve recreational boating in Victoria via the $33 million Better Boating Fund – including making the use of Victorian boat ramps free of charge.

Better Boating Victoria has worked with coastal engineers to develop concept designs for the upgrade, with public feedback open for four weeks until Friday, 17 December.

The Werribee South facility is one of the busiest within the Port Phillip Bay network and services a significant number of boaters on the western side of Melbourne. The ramp also provides access to Port Phillip and Corio Bay, as well as the Werribee River.

The proposed upgrades are expected to significantly improve the facility’s functionality and address congestion issues that can impact boaters, especially during peak periods.

The plans include adding two additional boat ramp lanes to make launching and retrieving boats more efficient, extra pontoons to allow more vessels to be berthed, and provisions for all future abilities access.

Other proposed improvements include realigning the parking area to provide more boat preparation spaces away from the main ramp along with additional entry and waiting lanes to increase capacity and reduce queuing back to Beach Road.

Once public feedback is collated, the data will be analysed and incorporated into a final concept plan to be developed alongside local user groups and Wyndham City Council.

An unprecedented increase from the previous $5 million per year investment, the new Better Boating Fund delivers on a 2018 election promise to ensure all money from the licence fees and recreational vessel registration of Victorian boaters goes to improving boating infrastructure and programs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“The Werribee South boat ramp serves a rapidly growing part of Melbourne, and these upgrades will provide more boaters with access to some of Port Phillip Bay’s best fishing.”

“With two new ramp lanes and extra pontoons providing more capacity, and improvements to parking and traffic management, boaters will spend less time queuing, which is a big win, especially over the busy summer months.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“These upgrades will ensure Werribee South is a go-to spot for boaters heading out for a day on Port Phillip or venturing down to Corio Bay to land calamari, King George whiting or snapper.”

“We’re investing in facilities like this to ensure more families can get out on the water and enjoy quality time together in the great outdoors.”