MEDIA RELEASE
Boating Industry Association of Vic. LTD, Marine House, 24 York Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
20 November 2009
BIA 0911
Improved boating infrastructure firmly on the agenda
An improvement to Victorias boating infrastructure was firmly on the agenda at the third
biannual VECCI Victoria Summit held at Parliament House on Tuesday November 17.
Representing the marine sector were Boating Industry Association of Victoria General
Manager Robert Coco, and Yachting Victoria CEO Ross Kilborn.
The Victoria Summit provides the Victorian community with a forum in which to put forward
proposals to help government determine practical policy solutions to meet Victorias future
requirements for success.
This year the Summit focused on four key streams: Infrastructure, Sustainability, Workplace
Futures and Innovation & Industry Policy.
The need for improved boating infrastructure was recognised amongst other short term
(2009-11) priorities including extending the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
(Jeffs Shed), new nature-based tourism facilities and removal of level crossings.
Robert Coco said the Summit highlighted the ultimate benefits of continuing negotiation and
lobbying on behalf of the marine sector.
It was very pleasing that after several years of extensive consultation between the industry
and government, the original considerations raised at the Victoria Summit two years ago have
been developed to firm government policy statements, he said.
These policies are now being prioritised amongst other important community projects.
Important marine projects on the list include the St. Kilda Harbour
redevelopment, Frankston Safe Harbour, Geelong Marine Industry Precinct, Williamstown
Foreshore, Mornington Safe Harbour, Wyndham Cove and Portarlington Harbour.
Also recognised as important priorities were regional facilities at Mildura, Apollo Bay and
the Gippsland Lakes.
Ross Kilborn said it was pleasing that the Summit recognised the economic value of the
marine sector.
It was particularly good to see recognition in the Summit papers that, not only do such
developments facilitate growing opportunities for recreational boating and tourism, they also
drive the States growing economy, he said.
For example, Queenscliff Harbours modest $5 million public investment triggered a $30
million Public Private Partnership (PPP) project, and construction of a rock wall at St.Kilda
Harbour will generate significant private investment.
Whilst there is still a long way to go to achieve the ultimate outcomes, and both BIAV and
Yachting Victoria will continue their efforts unabated, the Summit confirms that improved
boating infrastructure in Victoria is now firmly on the government agenda.
Both Premier John Brumby and Opposition Leader Ted Ballieu acknowledged the value
of the Victoria Summit, and attended with several Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet members.
ends
More information:
Robert Coco
0414 492 984 or (03) 8696 5600
Media inquiries & images:
Greg Shoemark
0412 316 928 or (03) 9898 5570
g_shoemark@optusnet.com.au