From the Minister for Roads and Ports

Wednesday, 16 January, 2008

$5 MILLION BOATING SAFETY BOOST

Victoria’s boating enthusiasts are set to benefit from a $5 million boost to boating facilities announced by the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, today.

More than 100 grants are to be awarded as part of the 2007-08 round of grants through the Brumby Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

Mr Pallas said the grants had been offered to boating, fishing and community groups, local waterway authorities, government agencies, committees of management, and search and rescue organisations.

“The Brumby Government is committed to working with the community to provide safe boating facilities and a safer boating environment,” Mr Pallas said.

“Improving boating safety is a high priority for the Brumby Government. Our aim is to continue to reduce the number of boating-related injuries and fatalities on Victoria’s waterways.”

Victoria has experienced a steady decline in boating related fatalities in recent years, with 31 fatalities between 2001 and 2004 falling to 14 fatalities between 2004 and 2007.

“Since the first year of the program in 2001-02, the Victorian Government has re-invested over $31 million into the Boating Safety and Facilities Program funded by recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue,” said Mr Pallas.

The program is designed to improve boating safety, education and training, purchase search and rescue vessels and equipment, provide navigation aids and boating safety signage, install marine communications and build and upgrade boating facilities.

A record $2.7 million will be offered to projects aimed at improving boating infrastructure and community harbours across the state, including:

$749,000 to install a two lane beach access ramp with two single lane inter tidal side ramps at Torquay;
$275,500 to replace a boat ramp at Hollands Landing in Gippsland; and
$295,000 to install a new pontoon and ramp at Hastings Community Harbour.

Mr Pallas said funding would also be used to install a canoe access ramp at Yarra Bend Park, a new remote weather station in Hopetoun Channel at Corio Bay and to replace a search and rescue vessel for the Port Albert Flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association.

As well as infrastructure projects, the program supports a range of state-wide programs including boating safety public awareness and education campaigns, publications, accident research and the Personal Water Craft Courtesy Rider Program.

“By investing in these projects the Brumby Government is making boating safer and more accessible for all recreational boaters in Victoria,” Mr Pallas said.

For further information, including the full list of successful applicants, call Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 337 222 or visit www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au.