Fresh investment in Williamstown Maritime Precinct

The Labor Government is providing $3 million to provide much needed upgrades and new facilities to the Williamstown Maritime Precinct, which already attracts more than 100,000 visitors per year.

The precinct supports several yacht clubs two commercial marinas, a boat builder, the Seaworks Foundation and its maritime precinct including the extensive maritime museum and historic morgue, along with function spaces and berthing docks, commercial ferry operators and the VicPol Water Police.

"Everyone
in our local community has understood the potential of the Seaworks site, and now we are investing to realise this potential," said Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan.

Planning is underway to transform the site to allow for more activities, exhibitions and events for the local community and maritime users.

WILLIAMSTOWN IS SILTING UP
In addition, The Minister for Ports, Luke Donnellan, announced $170,000 for a technical dredging study for the Williamstown Maritime Precinct.

Hobsons Bay near Williamstown collects large volumes of sediment from the Yarra River, which is limiting access to marinas, boat manufacturing and maintenance facilities, and piers and jetties along the Williamstown foreshore.

The dredging study will determine the location, depth and sediment characteristics of the bay and identify the most practical dredging and disposal methodology of the sediment to be removed.

Parks Victoria will establish a Project Steering Group (PSG) with Boating Industry Association Victoria (BIAV) and Yachting Victoria to oversee the final scale and scope of the study to meet the needs of local users. The study is expected to be completed within nine months.

BIA BACKS THE STUDY
Of course, the BIAV has welcomed the announcement of a $170,000 grant for a technical dredging study for the Williamstown Marine Precinct.

Steven Potts, CEO of the BIAV, said the announcement by the Minister for Ports, the  Hon Luke Donnellan, is a major step forward in addressing a long term problem of silt in the Williamstown Marine Precinct.

Mr Potts said the dredging study is the turnkey to addressing a substantial issue which will require patience, careful management and strong teamwork by all parties involved.

The Williamstown Marine Precinct holds a special place in Melbourne’s history, provides key access to the Port of Melbourne, underpins valuable tourism activity in Williamstown and is the location of major boating clubs and marine based businesses.

The $3 million grant to Seaworks at Williamstown by the Victorian Government would also provide a major and sustainable  boost to marine activity within the Williamstown Marine Precinct, Mr Potts said.

"We’re doing the work to guarantee the future of local yacht clubs, the commercial marinas, the Seaworks Foundation and a boat builder within the Williamstown Maritime Precinct," Minister Donnellan said.

More on the Seaworks Maritime Precinct at www.seaworks.com.au.