February 7, 2022
Do you head down to Apollo Bay to go fishing for flatties, squid, snapper, trevally or sharks? Then you’re going to be rapt with the latest announcement from Minister for Fishing and Boating, Melissa Horne, that the Andrews Labor Government have committed $800,000 to upgrade the boating facilities in Apollo Bay.
The port at Apollo Bay is the only sheltered harbour for small vessels along the coast between Queenscliff and Portland. The facility currently features an all-weather, dual lane ramp. It also currently has a wooden jetty and floating pontoon which will be replaced during the upgrades with larger and more durable 50-metre long floating pontoons on either side of the ramp.
In the harbour, squid and trevally are two of the most popular species caught by recfishers. Those who head out to the deeper waters of Bass Strait often reel in sharks and larger salmon. With improvements to the boating facilities, users will have more space to temporarily tie up their boats, which will free up capacity at the ramp and in turn, make it easier for boaters to launch and retrieve their boats. Access during all tides will be easier once the upgrades have been completed including work to the pontoons and dredging.
The Andrews Labor Government have stated that provisions for future all-abilities access will also be included to make boating more accessible for all. The Government are investing $47.2 million into the recreational boating sector through Better Boating Victoria (BBV).
The works are expected to begin mid-2022 and should be completed in time for the busy spring/summer boating period. The Colac Otway Shire Council are currently running a tender process to appoint a contractor to complete the works.
