Jetty at St Leonards improved

FISHERS and boaters are enjoying the benefits of a bigger and better jetty at the St Leonards boat ramp.

The upgrade was funded through the Victorian government’s Better Boating Fund, which reinvests recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees into projects and programs around the state.

Design and construction have been led by the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Better Boating division and coastal land manager Bellarine Bayside, with the aim to reduce wind and wave action at the ramp, which was identified by boaters as a significant challenge when launching and retrieving.

As a result, concrete and reinforced plastic wave screens have been installed along the T-shaped structure, helping to dissipate waves driven by northerly and easterly winds.

The end T-section of the jetty is now 40m across, maximising the effect of the screens for boats closer to the ramp.

The accessible gangway and lower landing will make accessing vessels easier for people of all ability levels, with stairs leading to another lower landing on the opposite side of the structure.

A new non-slip deck, additional rubber fenders, cleats to tie ropes to and solar lighting are in place.

Other wok to be completed this year includes a hoist added to the accessible pontoon, seating installed on the jetty and minor concreting works.

“I thank the local boaters for their patience while the jetty was being upgraded,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

“This ramp is a fantastic addition to the many options for boating and fishing on the Bellarine.

“I thank the workers for their dedication to this project and working extremely hard to see this jetty open before Christmas.”

The jetty rebuild marks the first stage of planned upgrades at St Leonards, with designs for reconfigured parking and additional ramp lanes to

be progressed, and community consultation held, in 2025.

“We are excited to be managing this ramp which is a fantastic asset for the community that significantly improves safety and access for boaters

of all abilities,” Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer Scott Crabtree said.

St Leonards is also one of more than 50 ramps with a live webcam, allowing boaters to check conditions and parking availability before they leave home via the Boating Vic app or online at boating.vic.gov.au