St Leonards boat ramp enters final upgrade phase

THE St Leonards boat ramp jetty upgrades are now in the final stretches of its upgrade, with Better Boating Victoria estimating boat users will have access to the ramp before Christmas.

“We’re in the final stages of jetty upgrades at St Leonards boat ramp,” a spokesperson said.

“Thanks to boating licence and registration fees we’re completely rebuilding the jetty in partnership with the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, doubling the length of the end T section and adding wave screens.

“That’ll mean more space to tie up, better protection from wind and waves when launching and retrieving, and improved access for boaters of all mobility levels.”

The project has been delayed due to the construction crew experiencing wild weather across the Bellarine, the upgraded ramp and jetty is expected to be completed and opened by Christmas.

“It’ll be a big improvement and expects the ramp will be busy over the summer holidays with families getting out on the water to catch whiting, calamari or even gummy sharks out in deeper water,” VRFish’s Ben Scullin said.

Additional work will be completed, including the installation of lighting, benches, and concrete mats at the jetty head,” the spokesperson said.

Temporary clamps will also be removed with a new footpath and Hansa crane installed to allow access for boaters of all mobility levels.