Victorian Boating Summit

Both politicians and boating industry figures have claimed the recent biannual VECCI Victoria Summit held at Parliament House in Melbourne will bring about a great improvement in the state's boating infrastructure.

Boating Industry Association of Victoria general manger Robert Coco and Yachting Victoria CEO Ross Kilborn attended the summit that was also attended by Premier John Brumby, Opposition leader Ted Ballieu and several Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet members.

The need for improved boating infrastructure was recognised as being among the short term priorities. Coco says the summit highlighted the benefits of continuing negotiation and lobbying on behalf of the marine sector.

"It was very pleasing that after several years of extensive consultation between the industry and government, the original considerations raised at the Victoria Summit two years ago have been developed to firm government policy statements," said Coco.

"These policies are now being prioritised amongst other important community projects."

He says important marine projects including the St Kilda harbour redevelopment, Frankston safe harbour, the Geelong marine industry precinct, the Williamstown foreshore, Mornington safe harbour, Wyndham Cove and Portarlington Harbour were recognised as being priorities.

Mr Coco says regional facilities at Mildura Apollo Bay and the Gippsland Lakes were also recognised.

Yachting Victoria CEO Ross Kilborn was also upbeat about the summit: "It was particularly good to see recognition in the Summit papers that, not only do such developments facilitate growing opportunities for recreational boating and tourism, they also drive the State's growing economy.

"For example, Queenscliff Harbour's modest $5 million public investment triggered a $30 million Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, and construction of a rock wall at St.Kilda Harbour could generate private investment of $8.5 million," added Mr Kilborn.

"Whilst there is still a long way to go to achieve the ultimate outcomes, and both BIAV and Yachting Victoria will continue their efforts unabated, the Summit confirms that improved boating infrastructure in Victoria is now firmly on the government agenda," concluded Mr Kilborn.