Three significant pieces of boating and tourism infrastructure have been added to the Gippsland Lakes, all of which were funded by the Coalition Government in conjunction with Gippsland Ports, State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced today.  

“The iconic Metung Wharf has doubled in size thanks to an $800,000 project with the facility significantly increasing the number of transient berths available to boaters.

Mr Bull said anyone who has visited the Gippsland Lakes would know how popular the jetty is in front of the Metung Hotel, so the additional jetty capacity will be a boon for local traders.  

“In peak holiday season it has always been a challenge to get a berth at the Metung Wharf and it is pleasing this project has been delivered in time for summer,” Mr Bull said.

Metung Hotel owner, David Strange, said the increased capacity is proving a great benefit to the entire Metung business community and to the boating public which wants safe, easy boating access to the village of Metung.  

“Metung has always been a popular destination to call into and this has eased the pressure on boat owners looking for berthing.

“The investment by the previous Government both here and at Paterson Park is fantastic and we look forward to improving facilities for holiday makers and Gippsland residents alike,” Mr Strange said.  

The second project recently completed was the $430,000 jetty near the footbridge in Cunninghame Arm, Lakes Entrance, which will provide a boost for traders in Myer Street and the eastern end of the Esplanade shopping strip.  

Mr Bull said previously recreational boaters’ nearest access point to this area was at Cunninghame Quay and there had been no place for boaters to stop that connected them with the eastern end of Lakes’ shopping precinct and the nearby amenities block.  

“This is a great location for a jetty and I’m sure it will be popular with boaters who frequent the area,” he said.  

President of the Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association, Allison Brewer, said it was pleasing to see the new structure completed in time for the holiday season.

“As this town increases in popularity, we need to have our local facilities keep pace with this increasing demand and this is a welcome addition,” she said.  

The final project is at Paynesville where boaters will now have access to 24-hour refuelling facilities thanks to a $485,000 upgrade.  

Mr Bull said the new facilities will allow boat operators swipe card access seven days a week and will ease congestion previously experienced by those who visited the area.  

"The extension will provide a much safer service and move the refuelling area away from those hiring a boat or using the pump out facility,” he said.  

Mr Bull said boating generates a significant amount for our local economy and all of these projects are essential if we want to ensure the Gippsland Lakes remain the boating capital of Victoria and he thanked Gippsland Ports for overseeing the successful construction of all projects.