Swan Bay boost for boaties

by Jasmine Sussex on 25 Feb 2011 Swan Bay - Boating enthusiasts will gain a $135,000 upgrade to their facilities this autumn with the installation of a new landing jetty beside the Swan Bay boat ramp.

Chief Ranger for Port Phillip and Western Port, Graeme Davis said the fibreglass landing jetty would make launching and retrieving small craft much safer and easier for boat operators visiting Swan Bay.

'The new landing jetty runs along the entire length of the existing 15 metre boat ramp and then extends four metres into the water, providing a tie up spot for four small craft.'

'Once the new landing jetty is in, boat owners will easily reverse down the concrete boat ramp, tether their craft to the jetty and then safely enter the water by walking along the new structure to reach their boat.'

'Works on the new landing jetty will start in late February and are due for completion in early April.' said Mr Davis.

'The water access upgrade builds on work completed by Parks Victoria in early 2010 to replace the old gravel boat ramp with a concrete alternative.'

Mr Davis said together the two upgrades mean a substantial improvement for recreational access to the water that will continue to provide launching capacity for small boats under Swan Bay tidal conditions.

'Swan Bay is increasing in popularity with up to 350 launches a week during peak boating periods,' he said.

'This improved boat ramp facility provides safer launching opportunities for small vessels of up to 5m in length,' he said.

The new fibre glass landing jetty is largely funded with a grant from the Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP) with the remaining funds provided by Parks Victoria. The BSFP is funded from a portion of the revenue generated from recreational boat operator license and vessel registration fees.

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au