Recently completed projects
Australian Volunteer Coastguard (Lakes Entrance) new rescue vessel
The Lakes Entrance flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coastguard (AVCG) has recently taken delivery of a new rescue vessel, named the Pinky B. The new vessel replaces the Tyrell, which after 14 years of service was retired from search and rescue operations.
The new vessel, a 3100 series Noosa Cat powered by twin 300 HP Suzuki engines has already seen action with a number of rescues and training activities both inside and outside the Gippsland Lakes. The vessel was supported by a grant of $233,500 from the 2009/10 round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program with the local members raising the balance.
The Pinky B can be seen here in action at the bar in Lakes Entrance.
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| Lakes Entrance bar |
Swan Bay boat ramp and jetty
Parks Victoria has recently completed work on installing a new floating jetty to complement the recently upgraded boat ramp at Swan Bay, on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The new jetty, supported by a grant of $94,864 from the Boating Safety and Facilities Program will provide boaters with a safe and accessible tie up point and completes a total upgrade of the boating infrastructure at Swan Bay. Parks Victoria has previously upgraded a gravel boat ramp to a concrete ramp, supported by a grant of $84,029 in the 2008-09 round of the program.
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| Swan Bay boat ramp and jetty |
VMR Mornington replacement rescue vessel
Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Mornington has recently acquired a state of the art rescue vessel, named Alwyn Tamo, to replace their ageing vessel operating out of Hastings.
Named after Mrs Alwyn Tamo OA, a long time marine rescue volunteer in the Westernport region, the new vessel, a Noosa Cat 3100 is powered by the new generation Yamaha 250 hp four strokes and with a fuel capacity of over 800 litres is capable of carrying out search and rescue operations well out into Bass Straight.
The new vessel was planned and built, following on from a successful application to the Boating Safety and Facilities Program, administered by the Department of Transport. A grant of $233,500 was awarded in the 2009-10 round with VMR raising over $60,000 through some hard work of the fundraising committee.
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| Alwyn Tamo during sea trials |
Torquay Beach access ramp
The completion of the new boat ramp at Torquay's Fishermans Beach signifies the delivery of a $1.7 million project that will provide safer access for Surf Coast anglers and boaters to launch and retrieve their vessels.
The upgrade, completed as a partnership between the Department of Transport and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee will ensure the popular boat–launching location will continue to provide access for boaters following the decommissioning of the existing ramp, built in the 1950's.
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| Torquay Beach access ramp |
Point Richards boat ramp
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| Bellarine Peninsula – Point Richards |
The newly redeveloped Point Richards boat launching facility opened to the Portarlington community and visitors on 27 August 2010, in time for the summer boating and fishing season. This investment has provided the Portarlington community with a new jetty with a low-level landing, and four-lane boat ramp to improve access at high tide. In addition, a new 100 metre rock groyne and sand trap has been designed to collect sea grass and reduce sand movement, to keep the boat ramp free of debris and improve access for boats at all times of the day. The redevelopment also includes new safety and navigation lighting.
Jointly funded by the Victorian Government and the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, the project will provide the Portarlington community and tourists with a safe, accessible and modern boat ramp. The Victorian Government's Boating Safety and Facilities Program and Boating Infrastructure Fund had contributed $696,800 towards this project.
The Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management also made a significant investment of over $300,000 in this partnership project.