Millions splashed for coast upgrades

ST LEONARDS boat ramp users will have input into how a Labor Government would spend a more-than $20-million kitty to improve the dilapidated facility.

Bellarine candidate Alison Marchant has promised $20.5 million to repair and improve the boat launching pad if her party retains government this month.

The promised upgrade follows a lengthy community campaign for improvement of the facility, which included letters and drawings from St Leonard’s Primary School students about the importance of the pier to retiring Bellarine MP Lisa Neville.

Ms Marchant said the scope, details and timelines for the rebuild were still to be decided for the project which dwarfs recent Bellarine boat ramp upgrades, including Portarlington ($9.6 million), Queenscliff ($4.5 million) and Point Richards ($3.7 million).

“This pier is old and it’s end of life, it’s going to need some major works,” she said.

“The community were worried that it’s quite unsafe.

“We want to bring it back to its former glory.

“The money is also for planning and design, and with construction costs going up, they’re estimating that this is what we’d need to spend on it.

“We want to do it once and do it right, and this money will ensure we’re able to cover all bases.”

State agency Better Boating Victoria asked for input into a potential upgrade earlier this year, which attracted responses from nearly 500 boaters who were primarily concerned with wave protection, condition of the existing jetty, need for more berths and parking.

Ms Marchant said a Labor Government would consult further on the precinct before committing to and building designs.

Further south on the peninsula, the Bellarine candidate would also provide $2.2 million to Queenscliff Marine Search and Rescue for a new rescue boat.

“The brave and hardworking volunteers at the Queenscliff Marine Search and Rescue unit keep our community safe,” she said.

“A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will make sure they have the vessel they need to keep protecting our community on the water.”