Mornington Peninsula Shire Council welcomes the state government’s decision to scrap parking and launch fees at eight local boat ramps.
From today, fees have been abolished for Shire-managed ramps at Mornington’s Schnapper Point and Fishermans beach, as well as Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento and Hastings.
Launch fees at Tootgarook will be abolished from Sunday 1 September and the Anthony’s Nose ramp at Dromana will be fee-free when it reopens this summer.
With the Peninsula’s remaining boat ramps already free of charge, boating across the Shire will be free from launch fees this summer.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor David Gill said the move was a huge win for the local community.
“I hope that with all of the Peninsula’s boat ramps being free to use this summer, more residents will be inspired to get out onto the water,” he said.
“Spending a day on the water is terrific for both physical and mental health. An annual saving of up to $135 may be a significant deciding factor for many people.”
He said the removal of parking fees meant that only the Sorrento Ferry carpark would now attract parking fees.
Mayor Gill also welcomed the announcement that the state government would upgrade the Hastings boat ramp and carry out dredging to improve access at Tootgarook.
“The Shire spends about $6.8 million a year to maintain our foreshore areas. With the state government now taking over financial responsibility for infrastructure and maintenance of our boat ramps, it represents a significant saving for local ratepayers,” he said.
“We are committed to looking after the 192km of coastline on the Mornington Peninsula.
“I look forward to working with the state government to ensure the Shire has access to the funding needed to care for it into the future.”
PHOTO CAPTION: John Baker, Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor David Gill, Minister for Roads and Road Safety Jaala Pulford, Burt Cross, CEO Better Boating Victoria Gary Gaffney, Member for Nepean Chris Brayne MP
