Rock wall or breakwater and up to 30 extra car parks needed at Olivers Hill
A safe boat harbour at Olivers Hill is back on the agenda after an earlier plan was sunk by community outrage.
South East
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A safe harbour for Frankston has been added to a hit list designed to improve boating across Victoria.
The project was included in the 2021-22 action plan developed as part of the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy recently released by the State Government.
Victorian Fisheries Authority division Better Boating Victoria said a “destination facility” at Frankston would provide more berthing for Port Phillip boaters.
“There is limited availability of public destination facilities in this section of the bay, and the provision of additional berths and moorings will aim to accommodate future growth and support local boating tourism,” a spokesman said.
He said locals, user groups and land managers would be consulted about the location and scope of the facility.
Boating Industry Association of Victoria chief executive Steve Walker said a safe harbour was the “missing piece” for Frankston’s waterfront with Olivers Hill the most likely location.
He said while plans were yet to be drawn up for the project it should include a structure to protect craft during launching and berthing.
“A rock wall, or breakwater is needed to increase the number of safe launching days,” Mr Walker said.
Parking was also a priority with up to 30 spaces to accommodate vehicles and boat trailers needed.
Berths for the Coast Guard and Water Police could also be included, but the number of public berths would depend on the size of the structure and the funds available, Mr Walker said.
Frankston already has a two lane boat ramp at Olivers Hill and another with eight lanes at Kananook Creek.
A safe boat harbour for Olivers Hill has been previously considered.
In 2018 Frankston Council revealed a plan for a $24 million harbour with rock wall and Coast Guard complex.
However, the proposal was scuttled by community outrage and a lack of government support.
Environmentalists have vowed to fight just as hard to stop the new plan.
A Save Frankston beach campaign was launched on Sunday by PIPE UP Frankston featuring chalk art on the pier and a giant balloon.
The group, led by Frankston Beach Association (FBA), said a breakwater at Olivers Hill would strip sandbars and ultimately destroy Frankston beach.
FBA called for Olivers Hill to be removed as an option for a safe harbour and alternative found.
The association said changing wind directions made Olivers Hill one of the roughest parts of the bay and it was “misleading” to suggest it could be a safe harbour.