REGION - Funding will be provided to the Northern Grampians Shire Council for significant works to be undertaken at both Lake Lonsdale and Lake Fyans.
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Council is set to receive $206,950 to make boating a safer and more enjoyable experience for community members in the Northern Grampians.
Liberal Member for Western Victoria, Simon Ramsay, said the Northern Grampians Shire funding would enable boating infrastructure and navigational aids to be installed.
Mr Ramsay said $16,950 would go towards installing boating safety buoys notifying speed restrictions on Lake Lonsdale and Lake Fyans. Lake Lonsdale will also have $190,000 spent on constructing a small breakwater at the northern boat ramp and jetty which is highly susceptible to rough weather.
"This funding will be of enormous benefit to the tourism and boating community," Mr Ramsay said.
"Several boats have sunk recently while waiting retrieval from the water. The construction of the breakwater should alleviate this problem."
Mr Ramsay also announced $13,560 in funding for Ararat Rural City Council for works at Green Hill Lake.
The Ararat Rural City Council will use its funding to undertake a hydrographic survey of Green Hill Lake and use the data to improve boating on the lake.
"We have some magnificent waterways in the Ararat and Northern Grampians region which are enjoyed by many locals and attract thousands of tourists every year."
"In addition to being a popular pastime, recreational boating is also an important local industry that plays a key role in the Ararat and Northern Grampians economy.
"The Victorian Coalition Government believes it is critical to ensure our waterways can be utilised safely and to support this industry which is so important to the Grampians region.
"This is why I am extremely pleased to announce funding for this project, which is from our $20 million Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
Minister for Ports, Dr Denis Napthine said the Coalition Government was funding these important projects as part of the 2012-13 round of Boating Safety and Facility Program funding.
"The Boating Safety and Facility Program complements the hard work done by local water way managers, local boating groups and volunteer rescue organisations across the state," Dr Napthine said.
"The Coalition Government is committed to working with these groups to improve boating safety and we have recently strengthened laws regarding the use of drugs and alcohol when operating a vessel and ensuring vessels are equipped with appropriate safety equipment."