Premier and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine was in Portland today celebrating with boating enthusiasts and locals as he officially opened the newly completed Portland Bay marina.
Joined by Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Karen Stephens , Dr Napthine said the new marina was a great asset for Portland providing improved and safer access to the bay.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be opening the Portland Bay marina, the first of four developments being delivered as part of the $6.1 million Portland Harbour Project,” Dr Napthine said.
“The new marina will provide moorings which are much safer and more secure than ever before. It will also cater for larger vessels that were previously restricted from mooring in the harbour.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to provide $4.6 million in funding for this important upgrade with the Glenelg Shire council also contributing $1.5 million.
“Recreational boating is extremely popular in Portland, attracting thousands of visitors particularly through the Christmas and Easter Holiday periods.
“This is one of the busiest recreational boating and fishing hubs anywhere in Victoria and the economic benefits associated with this industry are absolutely enormous.
“The tourism generated through this project will provide a massive boost for the region’s hospitality, accommodation and retail businesses, ” Dr Napthine said.
The Portland Harbour Project involves:
– development of a 70 berth floating marina;
– a state of the art four lane boat ramp to improve boat launching facilities for recreational boaters;
– development of additional permanent car and boat trailer parking; and
– reclamation of some additional land to provide on-shore support infrastructure.
Cr Stephens said the announcement today was the result of years of dedication and hard work, and the mark of a successful partnership.
“I’m pleased to see this project come to fruition and provide the people of Portland and visitors to the area with a fantastic new marina that will provide better access to our beautiful bay, ” Cr Stephens said.
“The ongoing Portland Harbour Project will continue to provide benefits to both our commercial and recreational boaters. We encourage visitors to get down to Portland to see some of the most beautiful coastline this state has to offer.”
The remaining developments for the Portland Harbour Project are currently underway with the new boat ramp construction scheduled for completion in 2014.
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Press Release, April 12, 2013