Boat ramps in Tooradin and Cannons Creek have received funding for their upgrades.
The funding came from the latest round of the $36.3 million Better Boating Fund, announced by Bass MP Jordan Crugnale on Monday 16 June.
The Fund is allocated via annual action plans, with the most recent including a range of initiatives to get more women into recreational boating, improve boating safety through better aids to navigation, support waterway management and deliver boating education clinics.
The Tooradin boat ramp project is shovel-ready, with construction works about to begin.
The $2.6 million project will commence its tender process shortly and will deliver improved access and usability at this busy Western Port launch site.
At Cannons Creek, early-stage design works are progressing.
A concept design has been completed, and the next step is to engage a design consultant for detailed designs, supported by $115,000 in funding.
On French Island, the Tankerton Boat Ramp is being upgraded to improve safety and access. Construction began in December 2024 and is expected to conclude by the end of June 2025. Key works include installing new concrete ramp panels, reshaping the rock causeway, and formalising northern launching areas. Maw Civil Marine (MCM) is managing the construction.
Upgrades at Lang Lang will soon be underway, with Simpsons Construction appointed to build a new concrete ramp and jetty with works expected to take around five months, improving accessibility for boaters and adding a second ramp lane.
The Newhaven ramp is identified for future upgrades. A draft concept design has been prepared, and community feedback is under review. The next step is to finalise designs and secure approvals, with long-term improvements focused on accessibility, berthing, and parking.
Ms Crugnale said having user-friendly facilities, better access and convenient locations around Westernport to launch helped to create an even better boating experience.
“We have seen in recent years upgrades to Mahers Landing, Rhyll, Inverloch and Cowes with Lang Lang in progress,” she said.
“These upgrades make boating even more enjoyable and accessible for families across Bass, while boosting local jobs and strengthening our vibrant visitor economy.”
The Better Boating Fund reinvests recreational boating licence and registration fees back into boating projects and programs.
Since 2021, nearly $140 million has been returned to recreational boating, including more than 50 ramp upgrades such as Inverloch, Mahers Landing, Rhyll, Corinella and Cowes.
To view the Better Boating Fund Action Plan and for more details on major ramp infrastructure upgrades, visit: betterboating.vic.gov.au
