Two important tourist and boating projects requiring funding at Mallacoota and Bemm River were raised in State Parliament this week.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, called on the government to fund the new boat ramp and jetty at Bemm River and the proposed upgrade to the main wharf at Mallacoota.

Mr Bull said the East Gippsland region relied heavily on the tourism industry and it was important facilities were maintained to a high level to cater for increasing demand.

“I am certainly aware of the need for these upgrades and have visited both sites. In particular the need for an upgrade to the ramp at Bemm River is urgent.

“The predominant problems are the build-up of sediment impacting on depth which in turn makes rough weather more problematic as well as mooring at the finger jetty when the ramp is busy.

“On top of this the ramp surface itself is in need of an upgrade.”

Mr Bull said he had inspected the location with local residents and had become aware the East Gippsland Shire had an application in to the Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

“The local community recognises its importance, visitors to the area recognise its importance and the shire, which has made the application, is also keen to see it come to fruition. All we need is the government to come to the party.

“In recent years under the Coalition we rightly had a number of projects in the Gippsland East electorate funded and they have either been concluded or are currently under construction.

“These include new refuelling facilities at Lakes Entrance and Paynesville, a new jetty at Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance, the doubling in size of the Metung main wharf and a major boat ramp upgrade at Lake Tyers to name a few.

“It is imperative that these projects continue to be supported, so it was a pertinent time to make the Minister aware of these projects and request the current government support these applications.”