Mayor's Message

By Cr Clare Le Serve

I am thrilled to celebrate the successful partnership between Bass Coast Shire Council and Better Boating Victoria. This collaboration highlights our dedication to enhancing recreational boating facilities, which are vital for both local residents and visitors.

Better Boating Victoria reinvests boaters' registrations and license fees into making boating more accessible for all Victorians. This includes boat ramp construction and redevelopments. Bass Coast has been fortunate to receive over $16 million in grants over recent years to improve our boating facilities for our residents and visitors.

The Rhyll Boat Ramp project, completed in 2022, features a new three-lane ramp extending deeper into the bay for all-tide access. The upgrade includes two fixed jetties and two floating pontoons, a non-powered vessel's ramp, a reconfigured car park, and other essential land-side infrastructure. These improvements boost the ramp's capacity and enhance safety and accessibility, benefiting the local community and summer visitors while supporting local businesses and community groups.

The Cowes Boat Ramp and Jetty Upgrade was completed in 2023 and consists of a new two-lane ramp and an extension to the existing fixed jetty facilitating all tide access. These enhancements increase capacity and improve safety and access for all users.

The Mahers Landing project will introduce a new fixed jetty and a two-lane ramp, with an upgraded car park featuring new car-trailer bays and car spaces. The existing ramp will remain for small watercraft, and a new toilet block will be added.

The Inverloch Boat Ramp Upgrade is due to be completed by the end of 2024 and will commence once Mahers Landing is open. This upgrade includes a new fixed jetty and the reinstatement of the existing rock revetment. This upgrade will improve access and safety, benefiting the community and seasonal visitors.

I want to congratulate our council officers for their project management of these excellent community projects. Their expertise has been crucial in delivering these complex marine projects efficiently and successfully.

A special thanks to Better Boating Victoria for their support, I am thankful for the investment in our region and expect the positive impact of these projects on our community and look forward to future collaborations.