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All-Abilities pontoon construction begins at Blue Rock Lake to improve boating and fishing access for everyoneWork is underway on an all-abilities pontoon at Blue Rock Lake, improving boating and fishing access for everyone through the Victorian government's Better Boating Fund. Completion is expected in August. By news@gippsland - 27th June 2025 - Back to News Work has begun on a project to install an all-abilities pontoon and make a day on the water more accessible for everyone at Blue Rock Lake's Old Tanjil Road boat ramp. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the pontoon's installation was funded by the reinvestment of recreational boaters' license and registration fees through the Victorian government's Better Boating Fund and would enable people of all mobility levels and abilities to go boating or fishing with loved ones. 
During construction, the northern pontoon and ramp will close, but Spillway Road ramp remains open. Better Boating Fund has re-invested $140 million into upgrades across Victoria since 2021 Accessible fishing futureBlue Rock Lake is revered for its Australian bass fishing which is fast becoming some of the best in the country thanks to the Victorian government's record-breaking fish stocking program. The Victorian Fisheries Authority's Better Boating division will work with Southern Rural Water to oversee installation of the 37-metre-long floating pontoon on the south side of the ramp, which is designed to rise and fall as the water level changes. Contractors Bridgewater Marine will deliver the project. An 18 metre-long accessible gangway will connect the pontoon to the shoreline and features a non-slip surface, handrails, enough width for wheelchairs and other mobility aids as well as a gradient indicator to show how steep the ramp is and whether assistance in accessing the structure is recommended. Provisions for a hoist will also be included, meaning a Hansa C-Crane can be installed and help boaters in wheelchairs board vessels. As well as all abilities access provisions, the new pontoon will see the installation of three new structural support piles and a lower landing launching deck and is expected to be complete in August. Boating access maintainedDuring construction the boat ramp and the northern pontoon will be out of action but the lake's other boat ramp at Spillway Road will remain open. The Better Boating Fund reinvests the annual collection of recreational marine licence and registration fees back into boating projects and programs and ensures launching and parking remains free at all of Victoria's public ramps. Since 2021 close to $140 million has been returned to recreational boating including ramp upgrades in Gippsland at Metung, Cape Conran and forthcoming work at Port Welshpool, while several destination jetties have been created around the Gippsland Lakes. Blue Rock upgradeMember for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "It's been a labour of love to advocate for better facilities at Blue Rock Lake and the upgraded boat ramp is a huge win - not only for recreational and competition fishing but also for better accessibility and as another great addition to one of our best waterways." "Blue Rock is one of Gippsland's most loved boating and fishing destinations and the upgrade of the Old Tanjil Road ramp will make it easier to try for a hard-fighting bass, tow a donut, or just enjoy being on the water," said Ms Shing. Pictures from Better Boating Victoria Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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