Introduction
Boaters in East Gippsland have reason to celebrate as the Bastion Point boat ramp is once again clear and ready for use. Ahead of the Grand Final long weekend, the East Gippsland Shire carried out essential dredging works to restore safe boating access for both locals and visitors. The project highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance dredging to keep waterways open and accessible for the community.
Why the Dredging Was Needed
Over time, sand naturally accumulates around boat ramps and channels, creating shallow spots that make launching and retrieving vessels more challenging. At the Bastion Point boat ramp, this buildup had begun to limit access for offshore boating, especially during low tide. To ensure Mallacoota remains a reliable launch point, the East Gippsland Shire, with support from Better Boating Victoria (BBV), stepped in to manage the works. Their goal was simple, restore clear, safe passage for recreational boaters ahead of the busy holiday period.
Details of the Sand Removal
Contractors working under BBV removed approximately 1,450 cubic meters of sand from the Bastion Point boat ramp area. Once extracted, the sand was left to dry before being relocated further up the beach. This method not only clears the launch zone but also ensures the material is recycled in a way that supports the natural shoreline.
Photographs provided by BBV show the dredging process in action and the improved ramp conditions following the work. These updates confirm that boating enthusiasts can now enjoy safer access to Mallacoota’s offshore waters, just in time for increased visitor traffic over the Grand Final weekend.
Ongoing Maintenance Plans
The recent dredging is only part of a broader schedule. BBV has already confirmed that crews will return in mid-December to repeat the process. This maintenance dredging ensures that the Bastion Point boat ramp remains fully functional throughout summer, a time when offshore boating access from Mallacoota is in the highest demand. The planned December works will align with the holiday season, ensuring both residents and visitors can enjoy smooth boating experiences right through Christmas and the New Year.
Funding and Community Support
A key element behind projects like the dredging at Bastion Point is the Better Boating Fund, which is supported by boating and license fees. This funding model ensures that the boating community directly benefits from their contributions, as fees are reinvested into projects that enhance infrastructure and improve access.
By financing maintenance dredging, ramp upgrades, and waterway improvements, the fund supports recreational boating while strengthening tourism in regional Victoria. For Mallacoota, maintaining the Bastion Point boat ramp is especially important, as offshore fishing and boating are central to the local economy and lifestyle.
Conclusion
The completion of dredging at the Bastion Point boat ramp marks a positive step for East Gippsland’s boating community. With 1,450 cubic meters of sand successfully removed and plans already in place for December, boaters can look forward to safe and reliable access to offshore waters. Thanks to the combined efforts of the East Gippsland Shire, BBV, and funding through the Better Boating Fund, Mallacoota remains a welcoming destination for boating, fishing, and holiday recreation.
Regular maintenance dredging ensures this vital access point will continue to serve locals and visitors alike, keeping the waters open for community enjoyment well into the future.