TWO sites are being considered for a new boat ramp in Western Port: Yaringa Road, Somerville or Stony Point.
Shane Murphy, executive director of the Mornington Peninsula Marine Alliance, said a feasibility study had shown the locations were the “only two sites as having the capability of providing 200-300 car and trailer parking alongside”.
The Yaringa site was south of Yaringa Marina while the Stony Point location would involve expanding the existing boat ramp.
“Existing marine infrastructure around our bays needs substantial investment to improve boating safety and, most importantly, a new major ramp to cater for the strong growth in boating demand,” Mr Murphy said.
He said the marine alliance “welcomes the Andrew’s state government commitment to establish a Boat Ramp Authority, which will control the annual $27 million of boat registration and licensing fees”.
He said the move “ensures marine infrastructure around our region can be properly maintained for the safety of all users”.
Design concepts for the boat ramps at Yaringa and Stony Point will be available for public inspection at Bittern Community Hall, 2426 Frankston – Flinders Road, Bittern 5pm-8pm Thursday 13 December.
Mr Murphy said each of the two sites “have respective merits and challenges”.
To contact Mr Murphy call 0437 848 997 or email mpmarinealliance@gmail.com.
First published in the Western Port News – 12 December 2018
