The works to upgrade the popular St Leonards boat ramp are now one step closer, with a contractor now appointed for the opening stage of upgrades and construction set to begin in late May, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today announced the latest project milestone, with the Labor Government’s upgrades funded through the reinvestment of recreational boating licence and registration fees.

Better Boating Victoria has worked alongside the ramp manager Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, engineers at FSC Range, local boaters and community members to progress designs for the project, which will make it easier and more accessible for boaters to enjoy a day out on the water.

The ramp provides access to productive fishing grounds nearby for a range of key recreational species and this upgrade will make it easier for boaters to launch and retrieve their boats in a range of conditions.

The project will rebuild the 65-metre-long jetty extending out from the boat ramp and the end T-section will be doubled in length to 40 metres wide. Wave screens will also be installed along the length of the structure and the widened T section will provide more protection from waves driven by northerly and easterly winds.

Lower landings on the T section will be extended along its length, so low-tide access is available at the end of the jetty and better all-abilities access will be ensured through a new accessible gangway leading to the lower landing and hoist to lift people into and out of boats if required.

New fenders and cleats will also provide more options for boaters tying up on their way out or back into the ramp, complementing better access to the lower landings.

The plans were developed with local boaters and the community through multiple rounds of consultation in 2022 and 2023, with hundreds of boaters providing feedback in person or online.

Work on stage 1 is expected to begin in late May and the ramp will be closed while construction crews are on-site. Work is due to be finished in time for summer and you can follow the progress on the Better Boating Victoria website and watch from one of the many ramp cameras the Labor Government has installed.

Boaters can also use the free Boating Vic smartphone app to view other nearby ramps as well as local weather, wind and tide conditions before they leave home.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“St Leonards is one of the most popular spots to hit the water on the Bellarine Peninsula, and this project will provide more protection for boaters when they’re heading out or coming back to the ramp.”

“The ramp is a key community asset and local boaters have been passionate about this project, so this significant step toward construction will be welcome news.”