The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to improve boating infrastructure in regional communities, with new boat ramps now open at Upper Coliban and Barkers Creek reservoirs in central Victoria.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the new boat ramps will provide easier launching for small boats.
At Upper Coliban Reservoir, the existing track leading into the water has been converted to a 40-metre-long boat ramp made of crushed rock which will enable launching down to 60 per cent water storage capacity.
At Barkers Creek Reservoir a new boat ramp has also been built, along with additional car parking with defined bays and a new entry point from the road.
To further assist boaters and fishers at Barkers Creek Reservoir, petrol powered outboard engines can now remain on boats, but cannot be used. Only paddle power or electric motors are permitted on the water.
At Upper Coliban Reservoir, boaters can use electric motors or paddle power only and must remove outboard engines altogether from small boats.
The $250,000 ramps have been built by Coliban Water, National Plant Group and Djandak (a Dja Dja Wurrung enterprise) and have opened in time for the start of cod season, which gets underway today.
Among the catchable cod at Barkers Creek and Upper Coliban will be a number of tagged fish worth up to $10,000 as part of the re-launched Golden Tag competition.
Both reservoirs are popular freshwater fisheries and have shared in substantial stockings of trout (107,000), Murray cod (36,000) and golden perch (77,000) over the past two years.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne
“Our investment in better boating infrastructure will make it easier for Victorians to enjoy the great outdoors at these beautiful locations.”
“With cod season opening and the Golden Tag competition re-launching, now is a great time to head to central Victoria and get out on the water.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“The investment in the new boat ramp at Barkers Creek is welcome news for both locals and visitors who love coming to this great fishing spot.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“It’s really exciting to see the investment in the new Upper Coliban boat ramp, which will give boaters much greater access to the water.”
Reviewed 01 December 2020