Southern Rural Water has started building a new all-abilities pontoon at Blue Rock Lake that’s going to make is easier and safer for everyone to go boating and fishing.
The $529,000 upgrade, funded by Better Boating Victoria, will be delivered by Southern Rural Water and provide improved access to the water for people living with disabilities.
The pontoon upgrade, at the Old Tanjil Road boat ramp, was identified in the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022-23. This plan was developed in consultation with boating, fishing and community groups to identify boating facility upgrades that can be funded from the Better Boating Fund.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said the new pontoon complements the existing all-abilities playground and picnic facilities at Blue Rock Lake.
“Blue Rock Lake is a peaceful and picturesque destination, and we want to create a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone wanting to connect with nature,” he said.
“This new pontoon will provide modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that enables people of all abilities to safely access and enjoy the water.”
“We are proud to partner with Better Boating Victoria to deliver this upgrade at our storage facility that will provide great recreational and community benefits.”
The new pontoon will include:
• A wheelchair-accessible gangway
• An all-abilities parking bay
• A gangway gradient indicator
• A wider landing area with seating and a hoist for easy access to boats
• A kayak launching platform.
The new pontoon is expected to be complete in spring 2025. The boat ramp and the northern pontoon will remain open to the public during the works, with fencing, signage, and traffic management in place to ensure its safe use.
Blue Rock Lake’s other boat ramp at Spillway Road will remain open during the works and provides an alternative option for people wanting to launch their boats.