A multi-million-dollar upgrade from the Victorian State Government has transformed the Kirk Point boat ramp, giving local residents a safer user-friendly ramp for boaters to enjoy a day on the water.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos announced the new ramp is now open – upgrading the site with more protection to increase safety for all visitors.
Delivered through the Government’s Better Boating Fund – the $4 million upgrade features dual-lane grooved concrete panels surrounded by a breakwater to provide protection from southerly and easterly winds.
A jetty was also added alongside the ramp to provide boaters space to tie their boats up while parking without needing to get their feet wet.
Parking has also been expanded and upgraded with 31 parking spaces, accommodating cars and trailers.
The upgrade’s design was overseen by Better Boating Victoria (BBV), which is delivering the biggest boat ramp construction program in the state’s history.
Managed by Parks Victoria and built by experienced maritime contractors Bridgewater Marine – the area’s environmental sensitivity was forefront of the project to protect local birdlife and wetland areas.
Both the parking area and the ramp have been added to the Boating Vic camera network, so boaters can check conditions and parking through the free smartphone app or website before making their way to the site.
Kirk Point will primarily cater for smaller vessels due to the nature of the water. Boaters with larger craft are encouraged to launch at St Helens or Limeburners in Geelong.
The upgrade follows the recently upgraded ramp at nearby Avalon Beach – a $1.8 million project that extended both jetties, added wave screens and 25 more parks to provide another launching spot between Melbourne and Geelong.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said “The upgrade at Kirk Point boat ramp is impressive and the facility will be far more user-friendly, helping to take pressure off larger ramps nearby.”
“With more parking, protection from wind and a Boating Vic camera for extra piece of mind when planning a day on the bay, Kirk Point is another great launching option for boaters in Melbourne’s booming western suburbs.”
Member for Lara Ella George said “If you’ve got a tinny or small boat, the new-look Kirk Point ramp has all you need to enjoy the great fishing and boating opportunities Corio Bay offers.”
For more information visit betterboating.vic.gov.au
