Upgrade works complete at Victoria’s ‘worst’ boat ramp

The upgrade to the Lady Bay boat ramp at Warrnambool, in Victoria’s south-west, has seen the site’s old wooden jetties replaced with new ones that offer more mooring options as well as provide more protection to vehicles and boats using the ramp.

The two-lane ramp’s surface has also been improved to provide more traction for vehicles launching or retrieving boats, while a rock wall will offer more protection from the strong tidal surges that have sucked cars into the water.

Better Boating Victoria has also said that the historic bay will be dredged this month to minimise wave action at the ramp, with dredging works expected to be completed next year after the peak boating season.

Regular ongoing dredging is planned for every two years.

“The new-look ramp will be a go-to launching spot for south-west boaters, particularly those heading offshore to fish during tuna season,” Better Boating Victoria director Katherine Grech said.

“Attention will soon turn to how wave energy can be further reduced at the ramp by working in conjunction with the council.

“The Warrnambool upgrade complements ongoing work to provide better access at Apollo Bay, while Lake Bullen Merri’s south beach boat ramp has also been re-opened to boaters following a major redevelopment.”

The Better Boating Fund was established in the wake of the 2018 state election after Premier Dan Andrews promised every cent of the $30 million-plus raised each year from fishing and boat licences and boat registration fees in the state would be ploughed back into improving boating and fishing for all Victorians.

The state has since embarked on a major upgrade of boat ramps and facilities.