Better boating facilities for Tooradin anglers

by Diana Hildebrand on 27 Feb 2013 Recreational anglers now have better access to popular fishing spots in Western Port thanks to significant upgrades funded by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said the City of Casey would be provided with $250,000 from the 2012/13 round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP) to seal the car park at Tooradin.

'This funding will be of enormous benefit to the Hastings community,' Mr. Burgess said.

'We have some magnificent waterways at Western Port which are enjoyed by many locals and attract thousands of tourists every year. In addition to being a popular pastime, recreational boating is also an important local industry that plays a key role in the economy.

The Victorian Coalition Government believes it is critical to ensure our waterways can be used safely and to support this industry which is so important to Hastings.'

Mr Burgess said the dual-lane boat ramp at Tooradin had also been widened to allow the construction of a third lane, in a $292,000 project funded by the 2011/12 round of BSFP and also Fisheries Victoria.

The ramp works have been led by the Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management.

'More lanes will permit faster boat launching and that is something local anglers have been requesting from Fisheries Victoria,' Mr Burgess said.

'Other improvements at the boat ramp include new floating pontoons, which have replaced the old timber jetty. These improved boat launching facilities, including new fish cleaning tables, make Tooradin a first-class venue,' Mr Burgess said.

Mr Burgess said Tooradin provided an ideal launching point for anglers chasing snapper, whiting, gummy shark, flathead, garfish, calamari and elephant fish.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine said the Coalition Government was funding these important projects to complement the hard work done by local water way managers, local boating groups and volunteer rescue organisations across the state.

'The Coalition Government is committed to working with these groups to improve boating safety and we have recently strengthened laws regarding the use of drugs and alcohol when operating a vessel and ensuring vessels are equipped with appropriate safety equipment,' Dr Napthine Transport Victoria website [Sorry, this link had a problem]