Campaspe Shire Council secured the funding in order to fund the second stage of the redevelopment which will see a new ramp surface laid and supporting structures replaced to make the ramp more functional and safer for boaters.
Moama Water Sports Club president Steve Shipp said they helped support council in the grant application along with the Echuca Moama Accommodation Association.
“It’s a huge boost for tourism,” Mr Shipp said.
“We’ve been trying to get the boat ramp upgraded for three years now.”
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the funding was a recognition of the importance of boating along the Murray River.
“These upgrades will provide a huge benefit and make hitting the water easier for all skiers, fishers and sailors,” he said.
There are three boat ramps in the Echuca Moama area, and the ramp at Victoria Park is the only one in central Echuca.
Used for the Southern 80 ski race, Mr Shipp said they had to heavily modify the ramp to ensure boaters and skiers were safe at this year’s race.
“It’s been a problem for a while and it’s great council has received this grant,” he said.
“Congratulations to council and staff for getting the first grant, and then continuing to get the rest.”
Awarded as part of the Better Boating fund’s Structural Management Grants Program, a total of $510,000 was awarded to projects in the Murray Valley region.
The fund also granted $240,000 to Gannawarra Shire Council for a new jetty at Gordon Point, Kangaroo Lake.
The new jetty will replace the old structure, which was destroyed and removed due to wave action.
Victorian Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the funding was part of upgrading boating facilities for visitors to regional areas.
“These grants will ensure ramp managers have the funds to upgrade and maintain their facilities,” Ms Horne said.
“Also benefiting the thousands of Victorians who use them each year by improving accessibility and enhancing safety.”
The fund granted a total of $1.7 million in grants to projects across the state, and was part of a 2018 election promise to reinvest all money from boat licence fees and recreational vessel registration back into boating infrastructure.
“This is another fantastic example of how we are putting Victorians’ boating licence and recreational vessel registration fees to work, delivering strong outcomes by re-investing in boating infrastructure and other programs,” Ms Horne said.
Mr Shipp said the upgraded ramp would be an asset not just for tourists, but also Echuca-Moama residents.
“It’s really needed for locals as well as tourism,” Mr Shipp said.
“The funding is a really good outcome.”
10°C