Port’s safe harbour officially opens

THE newly completed Portarlington Safe Harbour has officially opened, paving the way for more boats to dock at the pier, and more visitors to the Bellarine.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville was delighted to cut the ribbon to the $15 million project that has improved recreational and commercial boat access to the pier.

“Already these works have seen increased visitation to the pier, allowing more people to enjoy this beautiful spot,” Ms Neville said.

Portarlington Business Development Association President John Rae said the Portarlington community was thrilled to see the project completed, which was due to the efforts of many people, the two contractors, as well as project manager Parks Victoria and Bellarine Bayside.

“Then there is our local member Lisa Neville who has been amazing with her drive and support of the project which ensured funding was available and any problems that occurred were solved quickly,” Mr Rae said.

Major infrastructure upgrades included two rock breakwaters to the east and north of the pier, a new 190-metre long concrete commercial berthing area and 27 commercial berths serviced with water and electricity.

The harbour will bolster the region’s aquaculture industry, promote tourism and accelerate economic growth across the Bellarine Peninsula.

And the Bellarine is now easier to explore than ever before, with people able to head down from Docklands to Portarlington on the Port Phillip Ferry, which connects the heart of the Melbourne to the Bellarine.