Boating access at Hastings to hit new high

Hastings boat ramp © Dept of Premier and Cabinet Victoria

Construction has begun on the second stage of the Andrews Labor Government's Hastings boat ramp upgrade, making it easier for boaters to get out onto Western Port.

The $3.6 million boat ramp upgrade was identified as a priority project through the Government's $47.2 million investment to improve recreational boating for all Victorians, with Better Boating Victoria delivering the state's biggest-ever boat ramp construction program.

Popular with boaters and fishers, especially during snapper season, Hastings is one of the busiest ramps on the Mornington Peninsula and is also used by commercial and emergency service boats.

Better Boating Victoria has worked alongside Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to progress upgrade plans and approvals for the Hastings project, with the council managing construction.

The first stage of the upgrade was completed in late 2020, with the four-lane ramp resurfaced and extended to reach deeper into the bay and the existing pontoon widened to improve access to boats tied up on the way out or back to the ramp.

Access to Western Port at all tides will be further enhanced through stage two, which will involve extensive dredging of the channel linking the boat ramp to the main Hastings channel.

An all-abilities pontoon will also be built on the southern side of the ramp to replicate the existing northern pontoon, boosting the ramp's capacity and making launching and retrieving more efficient and accessible.

New fish cleaning tables have already been completed, meaning anglers can head home with fresh fillets ready for the pan. The two tables are undercover, feature sensor lights and running water and are big enough to handle a gummy shark or tuna.

While work is under way there may be limited lane closures necessary, scheduled for mid-week, when dredging is occurring at the toe of the ramp.

For more information on the project head to betterboating.vic.gov.au/ramp-upgrades/hastings.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne: "We know the Mornington Peninsula has Victoria's highest rate of boat ownership, which is why we are investing in this busy boat ramp, ensuring it is more accessible and easier to use for all boaters."

"With the ramp upgrades complemented by new fish cleaning tables, Hastings will be a go-to destination for fishers heading out onto Western Port Bay."

Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett: "It is exciting to see these works under way at Hastings as this is an important launching spot for locals and visitors. The improvements to the boat ramp will help take the stress out of launching and retrieving in Western Port."