Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie will receive funding through the 2010-11 round of the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP), Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced today.
Dr Sykes said, “Both Lake Eildon and Nagambie have enjoyed increased usage by recreational fishers, boaters and tourists as a result of good lake levels and it is important that facilities are safe for users; this funding will help to ensure this.”
Funding has been allocated for the following projects:
• Lake Nagambie - $14,643 – new navigation buoys for the lake
• Lake Eildon - $21,340 – new navigation buoys for the lake
• Lake Eildon - $113,461 – upgrade boat ramps, access tracks and trailer parking at Lakeside, Main Ramp and Burgan Point boat ramps.
Senior Boating Safety Officer at the Strathbogie Shire, Steve Parsons said, “From our point of view this funding is a great result as it allows improvements in signage and safety aids which will ensure boaters know where they can go and what they can do on Lake Nagambie.”
Jeff Harrison, Co-ordinator Land and On Water at Goulburn Murray Water said the funding for new navigation aids will ensure that Lake Eildon is compliant with Marine Safety regulations.
“The purpose of the buoys and signs on water ways is to make it safer for boaters and assist them to understand the zoning rules that apply.”
Ranger in Charge at the Lake Eildon National Park, Julie Flack said the funding will mean carparks at ramp areas will be able to be resealed and relined making it safer and quicker for the launching and retrieval of boats.
“The number of visitors has been increasing steadily over the last three years with a lot of fishers and recreational users of the lake visiting the area. It will be good to get these projects up and running with works to commence prior to Christmas. It is hoped to complete the works by Easter 2012.”
Dr Sykes said, “This funding is an opportunity to provide great facilities for Victoria’s boating and fishing enthusiasts and to ensure our waterways are safe for all users over the popular summer months.”
The BSFP is funded through a portion of recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration fees, providing money for grants and statewide initiatives. The aim of the program is to make recreational boating safer and more accessible for all Victorians.
For more information about the 2011-12 Boating Safety and Facilities Program contact the Grants Administration Team on 1800 337 222, email boating.grants@transport.vic.gov.au or visit www.transport.vic.gov.au/grants.