Ahead of Victoria’s state election in November, the Liberal Party has promised that, if elected, they will commit full return of the $27 million revenue in annual boating fees to building better Boat ramps and facilities as part of a proposed Blue Infrastructure Fund.

In 2016 and 2017, only $3.23 million of the $27.7 million raised through the state's boating licences and fees was spent on boating infrastructure.

The Fund will use all collected revenue to build better Boat ramps, jetties and navigational lighting, as well as onshore facilities such as larger car parks and cleaning tables.

The news has been welcomed by the BIA (Boating Industry Association of Victoria), after months of lobbying through their ‘Ramp Rage’ online campaign.

“The recreational boating industry stands and applauds this announcement by the Liberal Nationals,” said Steve Walker, CEO of the BIA Victoria.

“68% of Victorian registered boaters who launch onto Port Phillip or Western Port Bays each year see only 5.2% of the marine licence and vessel registration fees they pay reinvested into better public boating infrastructure on the bays.

“The delivery of improved service levels at public boating facilities will see an enormous economic benefit unlocked and delivered to the Victorian economy.”

The Liberal Party will also appoint the Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM) to manage marine infrastructure development in the state.

“Victoria’s waterways are weekend playgrounds to millions of Victorians, which is why we want to build better facilities for water users to enjoy,” said Liberal Leader Matthew Guy.

We now call on the Labour Party to match the solution.

You can lend your voice, too – contact your local politicians, make yourself heard! There's a List of who to contact here.

To pledge your support, >Head to the ‘Ramp Rage’ online campaign – and join Rex Hunt, Lee Rayner and 193,000 Victorian registered Boat owners.