RAMP UP

New ramp and harbour upgrade improves boating access on the Bellarine

BOATING access along the Bellarine is now safer and more accessible following the completion of a new ramp at Indented Head and harbour upgrade at Clifton Springs.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville officially opened the new $495,000 ramp, which replaces the former 40-year-old one, at Indented Head on Monday.

“This project is an outstanding example of several groups working together to improve water access on the Bellarine for the benefit of the community,” Ms Neville said.

She said the Bellarine was a known boat and fishing recreation hotspot, boasting one of the busiest areas for licences in Victoria.

“The new Indented Head boat ramp will reduce congestion at the St Leonards boat ramp, allowing more people to safely launch and retrieve boats on the Bellarine.”

The new ramp is one metre wider than the previous ramp, allowing for two lanes for vehicles to launch and retrieve boats simultaneously and safely.

A wider variety of vehicles can use the ramp safely following improvements to the ramp slope.

The state government contributed $360,000 to the project through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program, with the remainder funded by Bellarine Bayside.

Meanwhile, the Clifton Springs boat harbour upgrade is now complete.

New housing and infrastructure developments along the Bellarine placed pressure on local marine infrastructure, resulting in the three-year upgrade, which was divided into three stages.

Stage one included the construction of two concrete boat ramps, a 35-metre causeway to assist boat launching and retrieval, and the removal of built-up sediment at the end of the boat ramps.

It also included resurfacing and expansion of the boat trailer parking area.

Stage two included the extension of the harbour entrance to allow for more water traffic, the construction of the new western beach rock groyne and the establishment of an all ability fishing platform.

Stage three included the completion of the final phases of land reclamation in the eastern section of the harbour, renourishing the eastern beach with sand, increasing the available recreational beach space, as well as establishing a roundabout to assist with traffic circulation.

The boat harbour is now complete, though dredging of sediment will continue to allow safe passage in the opening of the harbour.

The boat harbour upgrade has been jointly funded by the state government and the City of Greater Geelong.