Victoria Minister for Ports Denis Napthine

$90,000 In Coalition Grants Ensures Safe Boating Around Bendigo

Victor P Taffa

Victorian Coalition Government grants totalling more than $90,000 will help restore boating facilities at lakes and rivers surrounding Bendigo.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine travelled to Bridgewater today to announce funding for repairs to damage caused by flooding at Loddon River, Lake Eppalock and Cairn Curran.

“This funding includes a grant of $69,600 to the Loddon Shire council to complete a hydrographic survey and remove hazards from the Loddon River.” Dr Napthine said.

“Importantly, this funding will allow the Council to bring the river to a safe standard in time for the upcoming water skiing season.”

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting our flood-affected communities through these difficult times and one of the best ways of doing this is to encourage visitors and tourists to visit these towns.” Dr. Napthine said.

Dr. Napthine announced flood assistance funding for the following waterways:

• $69,600 for a hydrographic survey and removal of hazards from the Loddon river;
• $10,000 to repair the Moorabbee boat ramp at Lake Eppalock;
• $1,960 to replace buoyage lost in floods at Lake Eppalock;
• $4,900 to replace buoyage lost at Cairn Curran Reservoir;
• $3,920 to replace buoyage lost at Lake Laanecoorie.

“The restoration works are important as many of these communities rely on tourism, so it is essential that waterways managers ensure rivers and lakes affected by the recent floods are safe for boating, and local economies are assisted.” Dr. Napthine said.

“The funding complements the assistance already being provided by the Victorian Government and is part of a broader initiative to help flood-affected communities throughout Victoria.” Dr. Napthine said.