Portland’s new ramp officially opened
Ramp can handle up to 300 boats per day says NapthineAnglers can now launch their boats in Portland Bay without the long wait following the official opening of a new $1.98 million four-lane boat ramp.
On Friday (July 11), Victoria's Premier and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine joined local fishers to open the ramp which marks the final stage in the $7.1 million Portland Harbour upgrade. The transformation includes a 70-berth marina, new access road and boat ramp apron, improved car and trailer parking, in addition to on-shore infrastructure including new fish cleaning facilities.
"As one of Australia’s premier fishing locations, Portland is now better prepared than ever for the influx of fishermen who travel from all corners of the country for the lucrative tuna catch each year," Napthine said.
"Boats and vehicles lining Bentinck Street had become a common scene as anglers raced to hit the water. This boat ramp is a key piece of infrastructure which will reduce this wait as it will be able to handle up to 300 boats a day during the peak fishing season, allowing for better and safer foreshore traffic flow.
"Portland’s Southern Bluefin tuna fishery injects up to $9 million into the local economy annually with up to 90 per cent of the nation’s recreational blue fin tuna caught in these waters.
"It attracts thousands of visitors to the region each and every year and the addition of this boat ramp will only see this number grow."
The Portland Harbour Project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government, which invested $5.1 million and the Glenelg Shire Council, which contributed a further $1.9 million.
The ramp has been delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program, which included $1.98 million in funding. The initiative plays an important role in making boating safer and more accessible for all Victorians.
Dr Napthine said the new boat ramp would ensure more fishermen visited the region.
"Overall, this Portland Harbour upgrade provides state-of-the art facilities to support new tourism opportunities from recreational fishing charters, eco-tourism to cruise ships. It is already having a positive impact on the community and I trust this will continue to grow with further developments planned for this popular foreshore area in the future," Napthine said.
Photo: Premier Napthine with Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr John Northcott, Shire CEO Sharon Kelsey, and Member for Western Victoria David O'Brien.
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