Getting more people fishing and boating on the Peninsula

24 August 2022

The Victorian Government is getting more people fishing and boating across the Mornington Peninsula.

View original release here.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Nepean Chris Brayne today visited a number of boat ramps on the Peninsula that’ve been earmarked for improvement, as well as stocking thousands of fish into various waterways to provide more opportunities for locals and visitors to cast a line.

At the Fisherman’s Beach and Schnapper Point boat ramps in Mornington, detailed assessments will soon be undertaken to help inform plans for improved facilities. The assessments will involve reviewing existing ramp conditions, parking layouts and the opportunity to incorporate all abilities access to both ramps and jetties.

Concept designs will be released for community consultation later this year. The ramps will also benefit from dredging works to be carried out before the busy summer season, ensuring locals and visitors can head out to fish, tow a donut or simply cruise on the bay.

Plans will also soon be progressed to upgrade the Tootgarook boat ramp in Capel Sound. Designs will consider improving the two-lane ramp, which is often impacted by sand accumulation and limited parking.

At Rye, nearly $100,000 in funding through the Victorian Government’s Better Boating Fund Structural Maintenance Grants Program will be put towards jetty repairs at the busy boat ramp. The original section of the structure is more than 40 years old and requires significant maintenance to ensure safety and functionality for the scores of boaters launching on the Peninsula.

Stage two of an upgrade at Hastings boat ramp will soon be complete, with dredging nearly finished and a new floating pontoon being installed to provide better access to Western Port.

The works are being led by Better Boating Victoria and form part of the Government’s $33 million Better Boating Fund.

Freshwater fishing on the Peninsula has also been given a boost – with 2,000 rainbow trout stocked at Devilbend Reservoir, near Moorooduc. A total of 30,000 rainbow trout and 10,000 brown trout are planned to be released this year, with estuary perch to come just in time before Christmas.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Sonya Kilkenny

“We know the Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination for fishers and boaters – so improving these boat ramps will boost safety and access, as well as ensure they can continue to be enjoyed by all well into the future.”

“We’re also providing more opportunities for people to cast a line by stocking trout into Devilbend Reservoir and estuary perch later in the year – making it a great day out on the water with family, friends and loved ones.”

Quote attributable to Member for Nepean Chris Brayne

“Boating and fishing on the Mornington Peninsula go hand in hand – which is why we’re investing in providing better facilities and stocking more fish into our waterways to encourage more people to get outdoors and spend time on the water.”