120 recreational boats per day used Bastion Point over the holiday period

The completed Bastion Point Boat Ramp at Mallacoota was praised in State Parliament this week by Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, who said it would be a great economic driver for the region.

Mr Bull praised those in the community who had pushed the project, including groups such as the Mallacoota and District Business and Tourism Association, Mallacoota Ocean Access Committee and in particular, Mr John Rudge, who had advocated on the issue for many years.

“I had a short stay in Mallacoota in the New Year and visited the ramp both of an evening and a morning and it was great to see the activity.

“I was told there had been up to 120 recreational craft per day and the stories I heard from visiting boaties at the ramp was that they thought it was terrific and would be getting the word out about the new facility.

“I have no doubt that when more Victorian off-shore game fishers become aware of its completion, we will see less driving to southern New South Wales and more recreational fishers utilising ocean access at this location.

“Apart from them agreeing it was much safer, they were generally impressed with the construction and quality with one chap telling me he fished right along the NSW south coast and this was the best ramp he had seen.”

Mr Bull said he was delighted the Coalition Government had provided $6.3m to the project which would provide economic benefits for years to come and praised the East Gippsland Shire Council for its contribution and overseeing the project.

“Although it is a great facility, like all ocean access ramps it will not be without incident over time and caution and safety remain paramount considerations for anyone using the ramp,” Mr Bull said.