Opposition vows to tackle ramp rage in $28m election sweetener

STATE Opposition vows to tackle “ramp rage” in $28 million election sweetener for Victoria’s boating community.

THE $28 million in fees paid every year by Victoria’s boating community will be ploughed back into the industry, under an Opposition election promise to tackle “ramp rage’’ across the state.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the Andrews government was spending just $3 million annually on boating infrastructure.

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“I’m going to give every cent of $28 million back to the boating industry. It’s going to go to upgrading wharves, jetties, launches, everything that’s needed to make a sustainable boating industry in Victoria,’’ he said.

Mr Guy made the announcement for the Blue Infrastructure Fund in Carrum, a Labor-held marginal seat.

Boatman John Willis at Olivers Hill boat ramp in Frankston. Picture: Alex Coppel

“It takes two to three hours to launch a boat here at Patterson River. No wonder people are angry.’’

Boating Industry Association of Victoria advocacy manager Ben Scullin said the state’s boaters had a strong voice.

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy. Pic: AAP

“We’ve been telling politicians of all persuasions for a long time what we want,’’ Mr Scullin said.

Victoria has 193,000 registered boat owners and 1 million boating participants annually.

Mr Scullin said 60 per cent of boaters use Port Phillip or Westernport Bay, driven by population growth in bayside areas, he said.

Frankston Pier. Pic: Doug Farr

“Boaters invest a lot of money so they can be ignored or supported.’’

Mr Guy said a Liberal-Nationals government would appoint the Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne to manage the money and projects from the fund.

Money would be spent on boat ramps, jetties, navigational lighting as well as land resources such as car parks and cleaning tables.

VicRoads collects fees on behalf of Transport Safety Victoria and has received more than $136 million in the past five years.

The state election will be held on November 24.

@IanRoyall