Better boating at Clifton Springs

LOCAL boaters now have greater ability to get out on the water at Clifton Springs, with car parking upgrades completed at the popular site.

An informal overflow area at the eastern end of the ramp has been converted into 30 extra asphalt parks, providing more space for boaters once they’ve launched.

It means more boaters can launch at Clifton Springs to access some of the Bellarine’s most productive fishing grounds for snapper, calamari and King George Whiting.

Construction on the parking area was overseen by facility manager City of Greater Geelong and completed ahead of the summer holidays.

The project was funded by reinvesting recreational boaters license and registration fees through the Victorian government’s Better Boating Fund and Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

A grant of $200,000 was also made from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said Clifton Springs was a premier boating facility providing great access to the water.

“Ensuring you can find a park and head out at a range of tides are fundamental elements to an enjoyable day’s boating, which is why we continue to invest your licence and registration fees to improve facilities across the state.”

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the upgrades were a win for local boaters and families who love getting out on the water.

“Better parking, safer access, and more reliable facilities mean less time waiting and more time enjoying the bay.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj agreed. “We were pleased to partner with the state and federal government to deliver the car-trailer park at the Clifton Springs boat ramp, and I know this will be an extremely valuable asset for the fishing and boating community for years to come,” he said.

The Clifton Springs Park precinct now features a pair of ramps, which each boast two concrete lanes, several floating pontoons and 85 car parks big enough for cars with trailers.

A long-term dredging plan and maintenance dredging has also been complete at the harbour entrance to increase water depth at low tide.