Funding fix for Grove boat ramp

A BARWON River boat launching pad will have a much-needed upgrade in time for summer.

The City of Greater Geelong received $120,000 from state government agency Better Boating Victoria (BBV) for a refurbishment of Ocean Grove boat ramp’s damaged northern jetty.

COGG would contribute at least 20 per cent of the overall funding cost under the grant’s guidelines and has until November to deliver the upgrade so it is ready for the peak summer period.

BBV provided the funding this month from a $1.7 million round of maintenance funding across the state.

“These grants will ensure ramp managers have the funds to upgrade and maintain their facilities, also benefiting the thousands of Victorians who use them each year by improving accessibility and enhancing safety,” Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said.

“This is another fantastic example of how we are putting Victorians’ boating license and recreational vessel registration fees to work, delivering strong outcomes by re-investing in boating infrastructure and other programs.”

Elsewhere on the Bellarine, Point Richards boat ramp near Portarlington is undergoing the second stage of a $3.7 million upgrade in time for this summer, which includes building a rock groyne to protect it from seaweed build-up.

Construction of a third boat ramp and floating pontoon at Queenscliff is due to finish within weeks, while the state agency is also planning a revamp of St Leonards’ facilities.