NEWS

Ramping towards a solution  

21 November 2008

Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, VRFish, recently facilitated a forum to address possible solutions to the current inadequacies of Victoria’s boat ramps.

In an opening address by The Honourable Tim Pallas, Minister for Roads and Ports, he highlighted the need for good boat ramps to make it easier for families to “throw in a line”.

Minister Pallas advised that the Brumby Government has committed an  additional $2 million towards improving boating amenities around Port Phillip and Western Port, over and above the annual $5 million allocation through the
Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

Key speakers at the forum included John Stav, Managing Director - JV Marine, John Haber, Managing Director - Haines Hunter and Bob Vasilijevic, President - Kororoit Creek Angling Club.

Some of the key issues facing recreational boaters included:
•    long queues
•    lack of parking
•    poor management
•    ramp rage
•    urgent need for new infrastructure

Chris Hardman, Manager of Operations Division for the Bays & Maritime - Parks Victoria, presented a proposal that it will be making to Government to improve boat infrastructure around Port Phillip and Western Port, including key locations such as Patterson River, Portarlington, Mornington, San Remo and Queenscliff.

VRFish Executive Officer, Christopher Collins, said “I am extremely pleased with the input gained from the forum. We see this as a first step toward making improvements to Victoria’s boat ramps”.

“The Brumby Government has demonstrated that it is willing to listen and is hearing the concerns and frustrations that recreational boaters have to endure just to enjoy a day’s fishing”.

VRFish will publish the outcomes from the 19 November 2008 VRFish Boat Ramp Forum on its website in the near future. Visit www.vrfish.com.au

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