The Andrews Labor Government is securing the future of Gippsland Lakes by investing in a new dredge which will deliver safe and reliable ocean access to commercial fishing and shipping operators, tourism operators and recreational boaters and fishers.
Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan announced the funding at Jemmys Point Lookout today with Gippsland Ports’ Chair Geoff Hocking, CEO Nick Murray and other representatives to update the community on the procurement process.
Securing the new dredge will ensure ocean access at Lakes Entrance is maintained for the region’s commercial fishing and tourism industries, which contribute significantly to the local economy, and for recreational boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Maintaining ocean access will also decrease the risk of flooding for local communities at Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and Metung and the surrounding agricultural regions.
Gippsland Ports has been progressing a rigorous tender process to find the best dredging arrangement possible to replace the current 35 year old contracted dredge, ‘Pelican’.
Maintenance dredging at Lakes Entrance has been undertaken for the last 120 years and is vital to provide a reliable entrance to Gippsland Lakes.
Gippsland Ports has short-listed tenderers with the successful bidder to be announced later this year.
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