RAMPING UP: St Leonards Boat Ramp to start construction next year

THE state government has revised designs for a multi-million-dollar upgrade to St Leonards Boat Ramp, which it expects to begin building after the coming summer.

A $2.8-million first stage would rebuild and extend the site’s T-shaped jetty, with lower landings for improved access and integrated wave screens.

Further staged would include a total of six boat ramps on either side of the jetty – two more than earlier concepts – and pedestrian paths to improve connections to St Leonards foreshore.

An existing overflow car park opposite Bluff Road would also remain, and the present exit point would be reconfigured into rigging bays.

State agency Better Boating Victoria (BBV) shared an update on its detailed designs in its most recent information bulletin shared last month, including changes to a draft concept plan released in December last year.

“Following the analysis and consideration of feedback received through the public consultation process a concept has been developed and released, including provision of wave screens along the central jetty extending seawards as well as an extended T on the end that will also incorporate wave screens to provide shelter from onshore wind and waves,” it stated.

“No seasonal car park options were featured.”

Other changes since initial release of the design include two extra boat ramp lanes, six dedicated rigging lanes and a derigging area, and pedestrian access around the facility.

“These changes have been made to enhance safety at the facility – more lanes for boaters to retrieve during poor weather conditions,” BBV stated.

 

The revised concepts have also reconfigured traffic access to the site to avoid removal of foreshore cypress trees, which had drawn community opposition when proposed in earlier drafts.

BBV said it consulted with local boaters and community representatives in intervening months to further refine its concept.

The agency expected to start construction on the jetty and wave baffles after Easter 2024, subject to permits and approvals.

It also indicated it would continue planning for delivery of additional ramp lanes and pedestrian path in a later year.

An upgrade to the St Leonard’s boat launch has been on the radar of the state government and users groups for several years.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant announced up to $20 million to repair and improve the dilapidated facility during her election campaign last year.

Ms Marchant said this week she welcomed progress of the project.

“The designs for the St Leonards Boat Ramp have been updated to accommodate feedback from boaters and the community.

“I am proud to have this investment for the St Leonards boating community and I thank them for their ongoing engagement with this project.

“This upgrade will improve safety at the ramp and will continue to give boaters access to the best fishing along the Bellarine Peninsula.”