Queenscliff off the hook for fishing tables

QUEENSCLIFF’S upgraded boat ramp won’t include fish cleaning facilities after residents pushed back against an idea.

State government agencies last month withdrew a proposed amendment to its planning permit for the site, which is undergoing a second stage redevelopment.

The change would have installed fish cleaning facilities, consisting of a freestanding metal bench and taps connected to treated wastewater.

The Borough of Queenscliffe had a planning review meeting in April to consider the matter after the proposal had received seven submissions and a petition against the plan.

Objectors complained about potential smell and mess, attracting scavengers, ongoing costs and a lack of wider community benefit of the facility.

Following the meeting, the borough wrote to the applicant about the lack of support, which the borough said would influence its decision on the project as land manager.

A borough planning permit report tabled at last month’s council meeting revealed the government had withdrawn the project.

In its initial proposal, boating authorities had proposed to spend an extra $120,000 on top of the existing $3.4 million for the second stage upgrade for the fish cleaning tables, which it said represented “the highest standard of facility in Australia”.

Better Boating Victoria also said its plan had support for local fishers and boat users, who currently use jetties, rock walls or their own boats to clean their catches.

BBV said work was ongoing to reopen the ramp later this year.

“We’re continuing construction on stage two of the Queenscliff boat ramp upgrade, with the ramp expected to be open in time for the warmer weather of spring,” a spokesperson said.

“The upgrade includes adding a third ramp lane to the facility, replacing existing pontoons, adding a new central pontoon and improving the main carpark to make getting out on the water easier for boaters.”

“Alongside the boating upgrade, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) explored provisions for fish cleaning tables near the ramp, however the Borough of Queenscliffe did not support the application.”

Stage one of the project, finished last year, updated the area’s car park and included dredging to improve access during low tide.