Planning work has started on improvements to three key Geelong boat ramps to boost capacity and make getting out on the water easier for boaters.
Boating Victoria (BBV) commissioned concept designs for upgrades to the Limeburners, Kirk Point and Avalon Beach boat ramps as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s unprecedented investment to improve boating in Victoria.
In addition to making ramps free, establishing the Better Boating Fund and developing Victoria’s first Recreational Boating Strategy, works are being undertaken to increase capacity at three ramps in the greater Geelong region, which has one of the highest vessel ownership rates in Victoria.
The concept plans will consider additional car and trailer parking, additional lanes where possible as well as new and upgraded pontoons and jetties so more boats can be tied up during launching and retrieval.
Limeburners is a popular three-lane ramp within the Geelong CBD providing access for boaters year-round to the southern side of Corio Bay and has parking for almost 100 cars with trailers.
Avalon Beach is a partially sheltered two-lane facility on the northern side of Corio Bay with space for up to 30 cars and trailers, while Kirk Point is an exposed one-lane facility with formalised and informal parking for up to 15 vehicles with trailers.
Coastal engineers with experience in the planning, development and construction of boat launching facilities have been engaged to develop plans at these key locations. Input and advice on the plans will be sought from key user groups and facility managers over the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“We are continuing to make boating better, and these three projects will provide significant capacity improvements to the busy facilities in the Geelong region.”
“All three ramps provide access to great fishing, including the new rocky reefs we installed in and around Corio Bay.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The Greater Geelong region has one of the highest rates of boat ownership within Victoria, so it’s important to have quality facilities that make it safe and easy to launch and retrieve boats.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“With commercial netting out of Corio Bay, these upgrades will make it easier for fishers to launch their boats and enjoy catching popular species such as snapper, whiting, flathead and calamari.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“It is important to have facilities that meet the needs of the many boaters in the Greater Geelong region and these upgrades will ensure easy and safe access to our waterways.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Not only are we providing upgrades for locals to enjoy – but further investment in the region that creates more jobs every day.”
Reviewed 01 April 2021