FROM THE OFFICE OF VRFISH – VICTORIAS’ RECREATIONAL FISHING PEAK BODY

RAMPING UP BOAT LAUNCHING FACILITIES

The Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body (VRFish) Chairman, Geoff Cramer, today complimented the Brumby Government and Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, on the announced improvements to boat launching infrastructure.

The Victorian Government has committed to improved facilities and safety at three
locations within Victoria through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program funded by
recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue:

• $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
• $295,000 to install a new pontoon and ramp at Hastings Community Harbour

Geoff stated that “VRFish have raised concerns about the inadequate state of boat launching facilities throughout Victoria and we welcome Minister Pallas’ announcement.
We are especially pleased to see that the outdated and decaying boat launching ramp at
Torquay is to be replaced with greatly improved facilities. VRFish has long considered
this ramp one of the high priorities requiring improvements in the State.”

Geoff also pointed out that the recreational fishing industry contributes $1.7 Billion p.a.
to the Victorian economy, especially the manufacturing sector which produces boats,
trailers and accessories for recreational fishing. Approximately 75% of trailerable boats
manufactured in Victoria are for recreational fishing purposes.

“We welcome this initiative by the Brumby Government and their support for recreational fishing and we look forward to working with the Government to see further improvements to boat launching facilities at other locations throughout the State”
concluded Geoff.

Alison Gibson
VRFish Administration Officer
VRFish – Victoria’s Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Marine House, Ground Floor, 24 York Street South Melbourne Vic 3205
Telephone: 9686 7077 Facsimile: 9682 1066 Web: www.vrfish.com.au