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Have Your Say On The Future Of Victoria’s Waterways

15 November 2016

Victorians can have their say on how to improve safety and access around the recreational use of waterways across the state.

Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan today launched a discussion paper to help shape the development of a Safe and Accessible Victorian Waterways Strategy.

Victoria’s 2,500 kilometres of coastline, 85,000 kilometres of rivers and 13,000 natural wetlands are popular destinations for Victorians and visitors, boosting the state’s economy.

Recreational boating and fishing contributes around $11.6 billion to the Victorian economy each year and accounts for about 51,700 full-time jobs.

The recreational use of our waterways has continued to rise in the last few years, and the Andrews Labor Government is putting people first by ensuring our facilities and services are safe and convenient.

The discussion paper outlines the value, management, safety and accessibility of our waterways. Developed with input from the boating and fishing industry, waterway managers and local government, it will consult with community and stakeholders to protect their future.

It builds on more than $15 million in safety initiatives and recreational boating facilities that the Labor Government has provided since we were elected in 2014.

Have your say on the future of Victorian waterways by completing the feedback form on the website, or email safeaccessible.waterways@ecodev.vic.gov.au. Submissions close on Wednesday 14 December 2016.

The discussion paper is available at http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/transport/portsExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan

“We were elected to put people first – and that means boosting Victoria’s visitor economy by protecting the pristine waterways that support a range of industries from commercial shipping to recreational fishing.”

“Our waterways are also where Victorians go to spend quality time with their families – that’s why we’re working to make them safer and more accessible for all.”

“You don’t have to own a boat or a fishing rod to have your say – everyone is encouraged to get involved through this discussion paper and help shape the future of our rivers, coasts, and wetlands.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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