THE VICTORIAN government has committed $340 million to infrastructure improvements at Port Fairy – a historic maritime hub in south-western Victoria.
The investment, announced on Thursday by Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne, will target rehabilitation of the wharf’s fenders and walers, and repairs to the onsite depot.
There has been plenty of work underway at the port, including slipway repairs completed in February and a $192,000 upgrade to the timber piles at the wharf, intended to ensure safer berthing for commercial and larger vessels.
Dredging is currently underway in the Moyne River, and there are further investigations and repairs to port facilities on the cards, to future-proof commercial uses of the precinct and improve operations and berthing.
The state government also highlighted recent developments at the port of Portland, west of Port Fairy.
A “critical piece” of the marine masterplan is a step closer to completion with the commencement of works for an on-water refueling facility at Trawler Wharf to meet growing demand from operators for modern and safer infrastructure, the government said.
The $394,000 Trawler Wharf project aims to provide vessel operators with a safe, cost-effective option for refueling.
“We’re continuing to invest in revitalising our piers and jetties in our coastal communities – ensuring they can be enjoyed by locals, boaters, anglers and tourists for generations to come,” Ms Horne said.
Victoria’s local ports contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries.
