By Matthew Sims
Melton’s fishing and boating community has taken a step closer to welcoming a new public boat ramp at the Melton Reservoir.
Melton MP Steve McGhie announced a $3.45 million commitment to Melton’s boating and fishing infrastructure as part of the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23.
The improvements would include replacing ramps, pontoons and jetties, improving parking and upgrading access roads to make it easier to access the Melton Reservoir.
Mr McGhie said a new public boat ramp at Melton Reservoir was a much-needed piece of infrastructure for Melton fishers and boat users.
“Our community have been advocating for a public access and a new boat ramp at the Melton Reservoir,” he said.
“I am pleased to see the first stage of planning and design will be delivered to make this a reality for Melton residents in consultation with all stakeholders.”
The state government has invested more than $42 million as part of the plan, which also included $3.3 million towards continuing its program to remove fees at public boat ramps and a further $2 million towards the Recreational Boating Structural Maintenance Program to support managers of public boat ramps in maintaining the facilities.
Fishing and Boating Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the action plan would help improve the safety of the boating experience across the state.
“We’re continuing our investment in recreational boating across the state,” she said.
“We’re upgrading boat ramps across the state to create more opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors by hitting the water.”
The state government has also allocated a further $1 million towards its Recreational Boating Access and Dredging Program grants, which would support managers of public boat ramps to facilitate dredging works and deliver projects to provide better access to boat ramps.
Projects and programs identified for funding have been prioritised based on boating demand, project readiness, boating safety needs and equity of distribution of funds.
Details: www.betterboating.vic.gov.au
