Revamp close for Limeburners

A POPULAR Geelong boat ramp will soon get a $2.5-million upgrade after the state government finalised promised plans.

Better Boating Victoria (BBV) will revamp Limeburners Point boat launch, which is just beyond the north-eastern corner of Geelong’s Eastern Park.

BBV had applied to the City of Greater Geelong earlier this month for planning permission to build the new boat launch, which Geelong MP Christine Couzens and Fishing and Boating Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced this week.

The proposal would more than double existing parking space through an additional 66 spaces (predominantly for trailers), adding two extra launch ramps for a total of five, realigning existing pontoons and creating a new floating pontoon.

The new facility would also rebuild and extend an offshore breakwater to provide greater wind protection, which would include installation of navigation aids for boats returning after dark.

Dedicated tie down space is aimed at reducing congestion in front of the ramp, while fish cleaning facilities would move to a new location on the foreshore.

BBV said the ramp was among the busiest in the Geelong region because of its access to Corio Bay and Port Phillip fishing hotspots, including recently built rocky reef modules.

“Residents within the City of Greater Geelong have one of the highest boat ownership rates in the state,” BBV stated.

“The proposed upgrade at Limeburners Point will increase capacity and improve the functionality of the facility to address the increasing demand in the Geelong region for recreational boating facilities.”

The plans follow community consultation from BBV last year before it commissioned detailed plans that have now gone to the council.

Meanwhile, a $4-million redevelopment is on the way for Kirk Point, near Avalon Airport, for a two-lane ramp and additional car parking.

The plan includes $1.5 million to construct 25 car-trailer parks, building on designs funded during the past financial year.

State MPs said the latest projects were part of its rollout of infrastructure improvements across Victoria that was paid for by money raised from boaters’ registration and license fees.

“The upgrades to boat ramps across the Geelong region will ensure locals and visitors will have safer and easier access to our incredible waterways,” Ms Couzens said.

“We’re continuing our investment in recreational boating across the state – improving safety and enhancing the boating experience across Victoria,” Ms Kilkenny said.

“We’re upgrading boat ramps across the state to create more opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors by hitting the water.”