VICTORIA’S busiest boat launching facility at Patterson River has been officially re-opened following a $430,000 upgrade.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith and Member for Carrum Donna Bauer said the joint Parks Victoria and Transport Safety Victoria funded upgrade was a major boost for recreational boat owners and fishers, providing safer and more efficient boat launching and retrieving and improved fishing access.
“Boating and recreational fishing are among Australia’s most popular pastimes and the Coalition Government’s work to upgrade Victoria’s most-used boat launching facility will make it easier and safer for people of all backgrounds to take part in these enjoyable activities,” Mr Smith said.
Ms Bauer said the new 170 metre long berthing section had been built to last for at least 30 years. “This is an important investment in what is one of the most significant pieces of infrastructure supporting Melbourne’s recreational fishers and boat users,” Ms Bauer said.
In a further boost for recreational fishing and the Coalition Government’s commitment to establishing strong environmental partnerships, Mr Smith also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Parks Victoria and Victoria’s peak recreational fishing organisation VRFish.
“This agreement demonstrates the growing relationship between the Coalition Government, Parks Victoria and Victoria’s peak body representing recreational fishers,” Mr Smith said.
