Living in this beautiful part of the Bellarine, there’s never a bad time to connect with the great outdoors.
But as we’re about to spring into summer, more people will be looking to take the leap and get into – and onto – the water.
With my fellow Bellarine Ward councillors, I recently visited the Guthridge St Boat Ramp to inspect progress on the upgrade of the pontoons.
I’ve always strongly advocated for Council to provide the recreation facilities and infrastructure for residents to access their favourite pursuits and passions in their local area.
As many will know, both the upstream and downstream pontoons were damaged by storms.
Temporary structures were put in place to maintain access, and to provide time for new and improved designs to be developed, and to secure funding.
While the permanent replacements have been a while in the making, the end result will deliver quality and durability.
Better Boating Victoria provided support with a total of $370,000 across two grants, which has allowed for structures with a design life of at least 50 years to be installed.
Measures have also been taken to assist people while they launch and retrieve their boats, while the downstream pontoon’s fish cleaning facility has been shifted to its own platform.
The improvements will ensure provide a better experience for everyone hitting the Barwon River, from recreational fishers through to the Coast Watch Marine Rescue – Ocean Grove.
I was privileged last week to represent Council at the Remembrance Day service at the Ocean Grove cenotaph.
The Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads RSL sub branch does an incredible job in providing simultaneous services in the two towns, and delivered another fitting event for this commemoration.
Thank you to all the local residents who attended to pay their respects, and particular thanks to RSL president Brad Clarke for a lovely service.
