Hastings boat ramp dredging

Published on 10 August 2021

Mornington Peninsula Shire plans to begin dredging at Hastings boat ramp in mid-March 2022, following Westernport Angling Club’s Whiting Challenge.
 
Originally scheduled to be completed in July/August this year, the works have been delayed for a few reasons including availability of the dredging contractor, impact to the peak fishing season and COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Anglers and fishing groups will be pleased to know works will not take place throughout the spring/summer period.
 
Dredging will deepen the channel and accommodate the recently upgraded boat ramp, ensuring boats and watercraft can safely access the area in all tides.
 
The upgraded boat ramp, completed in November 2020, extended the length of the previous boat ramp by six metres and provided a connecting walkway to the existing floating pontoon.
 
Next steps include dredging to provide improved access and installation of a second pontoon.

Consultation has been undertaken with the local community, boat ramp users and marine ecology experts to ensure the Shire is minimising impacts to the environment, while continuing to provide safe access for boats.
 
Channel dredging at Hastings is expected to take approximately 10 weeks and is dependent on weather conditions.
 
Once dredging occurs, the impact to those using the boat ramp will be minimised as much as possible, with full closure of the ramp estimated at five days. The closure will take place mid-week at a time of low usage, while dredging at the end of the ramp is carried out. 
 
During the remainder of the dredging period, the ramp will be open with occasional lane closures. A waterway management plan will be in place to guide boats while dredging is occurring.
 
The State Government has approved the works under the Marine and Coastal Act, with Parks Victoria to approve the environmental management plan prior to works commencing.
 
Construction of the second pontoon will begin once the dredging works are completed. The new pontoon will mirror the existing one on the southern side of the boat ramp in Hastings.
 
There will be part closures of the boat ramp, during the construction period of the new pontoon, and again a waterway management plan will be in place to guide boats around the works.
 
These works are funded by Better Boating Victoria, as part of the Government’s commitment to improving the recreational boating facilities at Hastings.
 
For further information, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/hastingsboatramp

 
Quotes attributable to Mayor, Despi O’Connor

The rescheduling of dredging at Hastings ensures the works will not coincide with the upcoming fishing season, including the Westernport Angling Club’s Whiting Challenge.
 
The views of the local community, boating groups and marine ecology experts have been considered to minimise impacts on the environment, while also providing safe access for boats.