Labor Member for Bellarine and Minister for Environment, Lisa Neville, today announced maintenance repairs and works to extend the groyne at Point Richards boat ramp at Portarlington.
Following a storm in winter last year, the rock groyne at the Point Richards boat ramp was breached and damaged by high swells.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $50,000 into the works through the Coastal Environments Program. The $7.5 million program supports coastal risk management works in priority areas along Victoria’s coastline.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in consultation with the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee has engaged coastal engineers AW Maritime to design the repair works and also add the new section of rock revetment.
Australian Project Solutions (APS) – a specialist marine, coastal and environment construction firm – will undertake the works, which are expected to take four weeks. The works will start this Monday, 2 March.
DELWP is also currently reviewing the coastal conditions at Point Richards to make recommendations for ongoing management. The review will inform potential management practices at the seaweed and sand-inundated ramp, and help to improve public access.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine and Minister for Environment, Lisa Neville:
“We’re proud to fund these repairs, protect this ramp and support our community.”
“For their own safety, residents and visitors will not be allowed to walk on top of the groyne or around the extension until works are completed. Members of the public will take care.”
“The Government is working with the new Bellarine Bayside Committee on a broader plan for the boat ramp, exploring long term solutions.”
“There may be restrictions on car parking access at times, but the works will not affect recreational vessels being able to launch from the boat ramp.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020