The Liberals and Nationals will back Victorian boaters and fishers by protecting the Better Boating Fund. The fund has delivered more than $130 million in facilities and programs needed to enjoy our waterways across the state over the past four years.
Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Melina Bath, said funds collected through boat licences and registration should be reinvested in crucial boating resources.
“Funds paid by boaters through licences and registration should go back to boaters, in the ramps, parking, dredging, safety and facilities they use every time they launch,” Ms Bath said.”
“The Liberals and Nationals are proud to back the people, the places and the passion that make boating and fishing such a big part of Victorian life.”
More than 200,000 vessels are registered in Victoria. The boating industry, including boat builders, marine technicians, dealers, marinas, charter operators and tackle shops, supports almost 18,000 jobs, many in regional towns that rely on visitors.
“It is important that the practicalities are in place for anyone using a boat recreationally,” Ms Bath said.
“Boaters need a ramp that is safe and works at low tide, a park for the car and trailer without driving laps, a dredged channel so you are not guessing where the sandbank is, and knowing help is close if something goes wrong.”
Ms Bath said an elected Liberal and Nationals Government would also back recreational fishing through fish stocking, hatchery production, recreational fishing grants and VRFish as well as continued support for boat shows.
“Whether you are chasing snapper in the bay, trout in the high country or bream in the lakes, healthy fisheries do not happen by accident,” Ms Bath said.
“A child who catches their first fish becomes an adult who looks after our waterways. We want to get more families out there with a rod in their hands.
“Victoria has some of the best water in the country, and we should make it easy for people to get out on it.”
