Thursday 12 June 2025

The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorians enjoy the great outdoors, with further boating facility upgrades being planned and constructed through the Better Boating Fund.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that the latest round of the $36.3 million Better Boating Fund will support the planning, design and construction of ramp upgrades across the state, four locations of which are in Northern Victoria.

Construction will soon commence at Howqua Inlet boat ramp at Lake Eildon which will be worth $800,000 and will provide an important new access point into Lake Eildon.

Planning is also underway for future upgrades at Shepparton Weir boat ramp, Derrinal Pool boat ramp at Lake Eppalock and Bundalong South boat ramp on the Ovens River. These plans are being designed in conjunction with asset managers, local boaters and other user groups.

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 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.

To view the Better Boating Fund Action Plan and for more detail on major ramp infrastructure upgrades visit www.betterboating.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos

“This is great for local communities and will benefit local economies, by reeling in more visitors to the regions.”

“We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water. Having user-friendly facilities, better access through dredging and convenient locations to launch helps to create an even better boating experience.”

Quote attributable to Member for Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“The upgrade at Lake Eildon will ensure boating remains accessible and enjoyable for families, while also supporting local jobs and our visitor economy.”

“It is also exciting to see planning for future upgrades across the region, and we look forward to working with the local boating community to get their input through the process.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling

“The best part is the Better Boating Fund ensures it’s free to launch and park at all of Victoria’s 400-plus public boat ramps, so there’s no excuses not to go fishing every day.”