New fuel at Lakes Entrance

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria has applauded the State Government on the opening of a new on-water boat refuelling facility at Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance. The facility will allow recreational boaters to refuel on the water instead of getting out of their boats and walking into Lakes Entrance or even avoiding the area altogether.

Funding for the new on-water facility was provided from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, Gippsland Ports and registration fees from recreational boaters with Gippsland Ports managing the facility for the first six months of operation.

"This is a stunning example of regional economic development through strategic investment in boating facilities that will stimulate increased recreational boating activity and boating industry growth," BIAV President Mr Andrew Warner said.

"Lakes Entrance will now see a marked increase in destination boating activity as well as providing for the emerging offshore game fishery and intra-state recreational boating stop overs. These recreational boaters typically spend up to five times per day above the average regional day tourist.

"When coupled with the growing reputation of a safe entrance opening, Lakes Entrance is becoming the premier Victorian recreational boating hub it deserves to be.

“Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan has delivered a number of key projects that we are seeing stimulate recreational boating industry growth in regional areas but this will dwarf them all in terms of return on investment and jobs growth," Mr Warner said.