Hutchinson’s Boat Ramp set for upgrade under Liberal Nationals Government

Victoria’s waterways are weekend playgrounds to millions of Victorians.

That’s why an elected Liberal Nationals Government will contribute $210,000 towards the upgrade of Hutchinson’s Road Boat Ramp at Bonnie Doon on Lake Eildon.

The need to upgrade the ramp and surrounding facilities was highlighted in the Lake Eildon Recreational Boating Facilities Improvement Plan, including the fact that the lack of facilities acts as an impediment to maximising the impact of the Lake on the surrounding area.

Recreational boating is estimated to contribute $4.5 billion to the Victorian economy each year. This is underpinned by 193,000 registered boat owners, 1 million boating participants annually and 17,700 full-time jobs.

This announcement builds on the Liberal Nationals Government’s plans to establish a Blue Infrastructure Fund to provide first-class infrastructure and services for recreational water users like more boat ramps, jetties, navigational lighting as well as onshore facilities such as bigger car parks and cleaning tables.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, David Hodgett:

“Lake Eildon is one of Victoria’s best assets and we must do everything we can to manage and protect it.

The Liberal Nationals will deliver a fair go for boaties and recreational fishers by making sure their license and other fees are spent on upgrading and building things like more boat ramps, jetties, navigational lighting as well as onshore facilities such as bigger car parks.

Daniel Andrews and Labor have no plan to protect and enhance our waterways and that’s a problem for our boating and water sport communities.”

Comments attributable to Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish:

“Lake Eildon has been a weekend and holiday playground for many locals and regular visitors for years and it’s a key economic driver in the area. I am passionate about its future.

I’ve been working hard with Matthew Guy and the Liberal Nationals team on this plan to enhance recreational boating facilities and protecting Lake Eildon is one of my highest priorities.”