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Inverloch Boat Ramp Remains Open

Boat ramp users in Inverloch have been able to use the boat ramp throughout summer thanks to initiatives trialled by a steering committee of stakeholders

By Carol McCormack - 3rd February 2003 - Back to News

Boat ramp users in Inverloch have been able to use the boat ramp throughout summer thanks to initiatives trialled by a steering committee of stakeholders. These actions have ensured the ramp remains operational.

Over the past six months Council has conducted a number of forums with key stakeholders to discuss the future of the Inverloch boat ramp. A smaller steering committee was created from this group. The steering committee includes representatives from Council, the Inverloch Traders Association, Inverloch Yacht Club and the Inverloch Anglers Club.

The steering committee has been investigating short, medium and long term solutions to the problem. The natural process of increasing currents, combined with wind and wave action, is causing sand to wash up on and around the Inverloch boat ramp as well as channels in the inlet.

One of the short-term initiatives has been trialling a Mammoth Mat close to the current ramp. This trial was looked at providing alternative access to and from the Inlet. Although the Mat is a good product, it was not suitable for that particular area. As a result the Mat has been removed and a more suitable location is being sought.

In consultation with Gippsland Ports and in the interest of public safety, a buoy was installed over the pump suction point to alert the public of the hole created in the seabed. The steering committee is also investigating whether upgrading the pump would be more cost-effective in the long-term.

As a medium term solution, the stakeholder group is looking at the possibility of dredging in the area. This would remove the sand from around the boat ramp. The group is talking to both Gippsland Ports and the SES about dredging. An environmental impact assessment would be prepared before any dredging took place.

A long-term solution that is being investigated is building a new boat ramp adjacent to the current ramp. Concept drawings are currently being prepared for a boat ramp that allows water flow under and over the ramp, which would wash sand away with tides. The steering committee is researching national and international designs for boat ramps that will help alleviate the problem of sand washing up onto the facility.

At forums conducted with stakeholders it was generally agreed that Mahers Landing, which is east of Inverloch, should be used as a standby ramp. However, Mahers Landing needs an upgrde. Council is seeking costs for the upgrade from the Marine Safety Board. It is expected that Council will find out if their application has been successful in February or March this year.

"We are really pleased because despite the increasing problem of sand in Anderson Inlet we have been able to ensure that the ramp remains open at all times," said Guy Wilson-Browne, Director of Assets at Bass Coast Shire Council.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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