Point Richards priority works to commence

WORK is set to begin on a popular Bellarine Peninsula boat ramp with the announcement of an additional 50 parking spots to be included.

Point Richard’s boat ramp is the latest priority project set to begin construction under the Victorian government which aims to create local jobs.

The upgrade is part of the government’s $47.2 million work announced in 2019 to remove fees at all public boat ramps, upgrade six priority boating locations and review infrastructure management arrangements in Port Phillip and Western Port.

Upgrades to the Point Richards facilities will be completed across two stages with the carpark work to be finalised before improvements commence to reduce seagrass in the area.

Better Boating Victoria is overseeing the state government’s boating commitments and has vowed to work closely with the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management on both upgrade packages anticipated for the Point Richards location.

The carpark extension has been identified as a priority to improve traffic flow around the busy ramp which will allow unrestricted access to Port Phillip and allow for larger vessels to be launched.

Six additional car-trailer parking spaces will be added to the existing carpark while a new standard parking space will be created to the south of the ramp to significantly boost capacity.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the redevelopment will make it easier for boaters to enjoy the bay.

“We know how popular boating is on the Bellarine and within Greater Geelong, with one of the highest rates of vessel registrations in the state,” she said.

“The upgrade at Point Richards will provide access to the facilities for more boaters, with the extra parking set to make a big difference when it comes time to get out on the water.”

The development plans follow an extensive consultation period with community members and local user groups including the Bellarine Miniature Railway, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the City of Greater Geelong.

Planning first began in October 2019 with Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville calling it the first step towards minimising the impacts of seaweed and sand build-up affecting the ramp.

Construction is set to begin in mid-June outside of peak boating season.