THE state opposition has promised to “centralise” the management of boat ramps at Port Phillip and Western Port.
The Liberals have unveiled a plan for recreational fishing and boating. Part of the plan is to begin discussions with councils and other bodies to have management of boat ramps in Port Phillip and Western Port brought under the control of state government entity Better Boating Victoria.
The state opposition has also promised to use 100 percent of marine, boating, and fishing licence fees on facilities and maintaining fishing stocks. It will spend $5 million on matched grants to regional councils for boat ramp maintenance, $1 million on research into fish restocking programs, and $30 million on a “fish and platypus habitat restoration fund.”
Victorian Liberals leader Matthew Guy said, “our plan is about better management of our boat ramps and infrastructure, and more support for our precious habitats.”
Shadow fishing and boating minister Bill Tilley said, “we know [Port Phillip and Western Port] are the most heavily used boat ramps in the state and boaters want a better deal.”
“We need a common standard and our policy would harness the expertise of Better Boating Victoria to deliver efficiencies in the management of and safety at these boat ramps,” he said. “Outside of this region there will be up to $50,000 matched funding for boat ramp improvements across the state.”