Works on an Inverloch boat ramp set for makeover begin

A popular local boat ramp was promised a makeover over a year ago, see where it's up to now. 

Works have begun on an Inverloch boat ramp where millions of dollars will be spent to improve safety.

Mahers Landing boat ramp in Inverloch was promised a multi million dollar upgrade back in September 2022 as part of the Victorian Government’s Recreational Boating Action Plan.

Works have now begun on the $4m facelift which aims to improve safety and useability of the ramp. 

Work will be completed in two stages across eight months, with boat ramp and jetty works now underway and the development of a new parking area to follow.

Currently the ramp provides limited access to Anderson Inlet, and is only suitable for small vessels.

This puts more pressure on the main Inverloch boat ramp. 

While the existing ramp will be retained, a new two-lane concrete ramp will be built and a new jetty that allows up to 12 boats to be temporarily tied up.

The new ramp will be longer and steeper, providing access for a greater range of weather conditions and tides. 

The ramp at Mahers Landing will be closed while construction is underway, with the nearest access at Inverloch.

Better Boating Victoria infrastructure projects manager Duncan Hill said the upgrades would allow the ramp to be “fully utilised”.

“The idea is that we will pull people down from Inverloch to here where it is a bit safer,” he said.

Fishing and Boating Minister Sonya Kilkenny and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale visited Mahers Landing.

The new boat ramp will be on the opposite side to the existing one and will be elevated.

The existing ramp will remain as a launch point for windsurfers and canoers.

Mahers Landing boat ramp will be transformed.

Minister for outdoor recreation Steve Dimopoulos said the ramp would become a huge drawcard for the area.

“A bigger, better Mahers Landing boat ramp and carpark will be a real drawcard for the area, helping more families enjoy a day on the water to fish, tow a donut or just go for an afternoon cruise," he said. 

The funding for the project comes from boaters’ registration and licence fees which Ms Crugnale said was the best way to make boating facilities better.