Avalon boat ramp plan nears approval

THE state government is forging ahead with an upgrade planned for an increasingly popular Avalon boat ramp.

Better Boating Victoria would formalise car parking, modify and extend jetties and install new drainage at the Avalon Foreshore Road facility, as part of a $750,000 plan lodged with the City of Greater Geelong.

The plan would also remove some native vegetation to make way for the planned upgrades.

The Avalon site is one of two public boat launches between Geelong and Werribee, and has become popular with a range of users including fishers, jet skiiers, bird watchers.

A dirt track adjoining the site’s car park is sometimes used for overflow parking, but is low-lying and subject to flooding.

Planning documents indicate that the site’s increased use since its last significant improvement meant further improvement was necessary.

“The surrounding area is highly limited in boating access, with the nearest ramps being St Helens in Geelong and Kirk Point, another small-scale facility north of Point Wilson.

“The past two decades of use support the popularity and viability of the facility, not just for boating users but other visitors as well.

Analysis of aerial imagery shows that peak demands can easily exceed the available formal parking spaces.”

Site analysis has found that informal parking at the site is endangering native vegetation nearby and creating traffic safety concerns, while some users are eschewing the boat ramp all together and launching vessels from the beach, impacting coastal habitats.

Lara MP John Eren announced $1.5 million of funding to build 25 additional car-trailer parks at the Avalon boat ramp in September, following designs in the 2021-22 financial year.

Further works for the precinct include replacement ramps, pontoons and jetties and upgraded access roads.