The Nationals have announced they will partner with local councils to maintain regional boat ramps if elected in November.

Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said this was a positive move that had been well received by both Wellington and East Gippsland Shires.

“The 5 million Regional Councils Boat Ramp Fund will provide matched grants to regional shires for local boat ramp maintenance.

“Labor is funding all boat ramp maintenance for councils around Port Phillip Bay by paying them direct subsidies, but in a blatant display of how citycentric they are, are ignoring country local government agencies.

“For example, it is subsidising Frankston and Hobson’s Bay councils in excess of $100,000 annually for maintenance of their ramps and car parks, but Wellington and East Gippsland, which have close to 40 ramps between them, get nothing – how is that fair?

“There is hardly a period when at least one ramp does not need some form of repair, whether that be the car park, jetty rails or something else.

“This dedicated fund will assist councils in maintaining this important tourism infrastructure,” he said.

The Nationals will also ensure 100 percent of marine, boating and fishing licence fees is hypothecated to improve facilities and the health of our waterways.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, says the Nationals in Government will partner with local councils to maintain their boat ramps.

Friday, 11 November 2022