$6.0m funding boost for local waterways
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$6.0m funding boost for local waterways

Boaters in Victoria’s east are set to benefit from a $6 million funding package provided to the Gippsland Ports Authority today by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull delivered the good news which he said would deliver more reliable and safer facilities for the Gippsland community.

“The Coalition Government has identified a number of projects in need of attention in the Gippsland Ports area and has provided $2 million to upgrade these facilities.

“This is in addition to the $3.95 million which will be delivered to the Gippsland Ports Authority for regular port operations,” Mr Bull said.

“This is an important investment for the future of the Gippsland community and the continued economic growth of the region.

“This funding includes $1.6 million to begin vital upgrades to a number of jetties, piers, seawalls and wharves. The Coalition Government recognises these works are integral to supporting the local economy and to providing safe infrastructure to port users.

“We are also providing $300,000 for land-based improvements and a further $100,000 to upgrade navigation aids and signage around the ports.

“Boating and recreational fishing were crucial to the Gippsland economy and facility upgrades would be well received by both locals and visitors to the region.

"Having been brought up on the Gippsland Lakes, I have a strong appreciation for their importance to our region and we need to make sure those who visit have an enjoyable experience and want to come back,” Mr Bull said.

"Our waterways have an abundance of natural beauty and are increasing in popularity as more discover the experience. It is important the facilities keep in step with this increased usage and this is a significant investment which has been announced today.

"The upgrades to facilities and navigation aids will assist in making every Gippsland Lakes experience all the more enjoyable," Mr Bull said.

Key projects within the program include:

$240,000 to replace the wave screen and to sheetpile the approach into the Lakes Entrance Harbour (west). The Lakes Entrance boat harbour has over 100 recreational and commercial berths;

$273,000 to rebuild the entire Nungurner Jetty. This is the only public jetty at Nungurner and has reached the end of its life as a structure, requiring a complete rebuild;

$75,000 to install fire services at the Paynesville Progress Jetty;

$83,000 to re-deck the head and upgrade the water supply at Paynesville Boat Harbour. The harbour is home to over 200 recreational boats;

$107,000 to re-deck, replace walers, fenders and handrails at the Manns Beach Jetty. It is the only jetty at Manns Beach and contains a boat ramp that provides boating access to the water body;

$170,000 to repair mooring dolphins, install fire service and replace the wave screen at the Port Welshpool Ferry Terminal Jetty. The jetty provides berths for 16 permanent commercial boats;

$100,000 (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance at various wharves and jetties.  Gippsland Ports in recent years had carried out a DDA (access) audit. This funding is for progressive roll-out of compliance upgrades; and

$300,000 to replace the Bullock Island Depot seawalls. This is a critical replacement of a very old failing seawall.