Media Releases

New navigation aids will be installed at Shepparton’s Victoria Lake through State Government funding, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

The Greater Shepparton City Council received $12,310 for the navigation aids as part of the Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP).

The navigation aids the council are looking into include a waterway audit of the lake and safety signage around the lake for people launching a vessel into the water.

“I was pleased the council was successful in applying for this grant,” Mrs Powell said.

“Now that canoes, rowboats, kayaks and small fishing vessels are back on Victoria Lake, up-to-date navigation aids are needed. I am happy to support money being spent on making sure everyone in the Shepparton district and visitors to our region can safely enjoy our lake facility.”

The BSFP provides funds to local councils and shires for boating facilities, education and training, search and rescue and aids to navigation.

This year’s program has closed. For information on next year’s program, go to www.transport.vic.gov.au/freight/boating-safety-and-facilities-program.

State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell is encouraging boating enthusiasts in the Shepparton District to have their say on Victoria’s new Marine Safety Regulations.

The Coalition Government has doubled the consultation period for the state’s proposed new Marine Safety Regulations which begins next week with a series of workshops around Victoria.

Mrs Powell said there are many boating enthusiasts in the Shepparton district and the Coalition Government is interested in hearing what they have to say about any changes to the regulations.

“The proposals aim to address a number of serious issues within the commercial and recreational boating industries and to make the licensing process more efficient,” Mrs Powell said.

“The proposed regulations recommend the mandatory inclusion of the unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) on any registration transfer documents to help tackle boat theft which is rapidly increasing.

“Also up for consideration is a recommendation to add an on-water skills test to the pre-existing knowledge-based test.

“Injuries to personal watercraft (PWC) users have risen 150% over the last seven years and making this change could have a really positive impact on PWC safety.”

Other changes outlined in the proposed Marine Safety Regulations include:
• increasing the penalty level that can be issued on the spot;
• reducing the frequency of licence renewal to every five years; and
• allowing modern equivalents of safety equipment to be carried as alternatives onboard vessels. For example a hand-held strobe light can be used as an alternative to red flares.

"I encourage boating enthusiasts to attend one of the regional consultation sessions or to view the proposed regulations online and make a submission so their views can be considered,” Mrs Powell said.

The submission period closes on Tuesday 11 October 2011.

The draft regulations and its related documents are available on the Department of Transport website, http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/doi/internet/home.nsf/AllDocs/AD533C463CC75785CA25784F001449D7?OpenDocument

For further information contact the Department of Transport, on marinesafety@transport.vic.gov.au