By Goya Dmytryshchak
Hobsons Bay council is calling on ratepayers to help lobby the state government for more money towards Altona boat ramp and the Warmies boat ramp at Newport as part of the council’s 10 state election priorities.
Maintenance and infrastructure works for the ramps cost Hobsons Bay ratepayers about $450,000 annually, including $150,000 for the yearly dredging of Altona Safe Boat Harbour. A new public toilet being installed at Altona boat ramp will cost a further $270,000 this financial year.
The council is calling on ratepayers to join its advocacy campaign ahead of November’s state election by asking the state government to help take the burden off the community in footing the costs of these facilities.
Mayor Angela Altair said there was little funding support and ratepayers were doing most of the heavy lifting.
“The fees that users are currently charged for launching contribute directly to council’s upkeep and operational expenditure on the ramps, but these facilities still cost Hobsons Bay ratepayers more than they make,” she said.
“With such significant growth forecast for the west, coupled with fishing being the fastest growing recreational activity in Victoria, our boat ramp facilities are at a point where we do really need to see more funding support from the state government.”
The council we will present the names of community supporters to the relevant ministers, local MPs and other relevant parties to demonstrate the level of community support for these improvements.
Ports Minister Luke Donnellan said the two boat ramps had received a total of nearly $983,000 through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program since 2001-02 and were eligible for further funding.
The Opposition has announed a Blue Infrastructure Fund that would return all collected boating fees to improved facilities for the boating community.
Other priorities in the top 10 are co-funding the $18million Altona Sports Centre expansion, $20million for sports infrastructure, more money for foreshore infrastructure, accelerating Metro 2, improved public transport, more funding for regional trails, support for the community to become climate resilient and reduce carbon emissions, establishment of a Headspace youth mental health centre at Newport Community Hub and inclusion of on and off ramps on the Westgate Tunnel at Grieve Parade and Dohertys Road.
To join the council’s advocacy campaign, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
