The Andrews Labor Government is boosting accessibility to Victoria’s boating sports by upgrading the iconic National Water Sports Centre.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced improvements to the Patterson River Upper Precinct, which includes a popular 2000 metre boating channel and rowing water course.
The Labor Government invested $3 million for upgrades to pathways, the creation of dedicated viewing areas, vegetation, the design of a new multipurpose building and a feasibility study for a pedestrian bridge, as part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
The upgrades will benefit the National Water Sports Centre by making it more accessible and safer for the wide variety of its users.
The centre is used for a range of water-based activities, such as rowing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, coarse angling, jet skiing, radio-controlled yachting, boat shows, boat testing, and special training sessions.
Patterson River’s Lower Precinct, also known as Launching Way, will receive $3.5 million for improvements and accessibility upgrades to pathways, boardwalk construction feasibility, picnic facilities, vegetation, and the design of new multipurpose building to incorporate commercial opportunities.
Funding for both projects is part of the Government’s $9.5 million investment into improving community infrastructure and sustainability.
Works were carried out at the National Water Sports Centre between 2019 to 2021 which included construction and installation of three pontoons, a model boat pontoon, construction of an underpass pathway and site drainage improvements.
Any upgrades or works at Patterson River will need to be sympathetic to the requirements for Melbourne Water’s flood protection scheme.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
"Our state has some of the most beautiful river frontages and we want to make sure these spaces are accessible to all Victorians.”
“We’re revegetating riverbanks and creating pathways for people of all abilities to ensure the Paterson River and National Water Sports Centre continues to be an environment for everyone to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
“We’re upgrading facilities on the Paterson River so everyone in our community can enjoy the iconic National Water Sports Centre.”
Reviewed 28 May 2022