Merbein boat ramp reopens to the public

Published on 04 March 2016

Upgrades to the Merbein boat ramp have now been completed, with the ramp reopening to the public earlier this week.

Council secured an $86,270 grant from the Victorian Department of Transport to upgrade the site which is popular for locals and visitors alike.

Portfolio Councillor for Recreation and Sport Mark Eckel said often between 50 and 100 boats were launched each day from the public ramp during the peak of summer.

“This ramp is an important community asset and was certainly in need of work to improve access for the many people that use it,” Cr Eckel said. “It’s great to see the new ramp open in time for the busy long weekend and Easter period.

“It was a really difficult job logistically, with contractors using a coffer dam to pump water away from the site while the new ramp was poured. Working with an uneven river bed, in an area with lots of tree roots was definitely a challenge and we’re very pleased with the end result.”

Located approximately 500 metres off Ranfurly Way via a dirt road, the Merbein Boat ramp is situated on a beautiful stretch of Murray River that is popular for fishing and recreational boating.  The new ramp will allow up to three boats to use the ramp at the same time, greatly improving past congestion at the site.

Council also would like to acknowledge the Merbein Lions Club, who have been a wonderful supporter of the project.

“The Merbein Lions Club does an outstanding job maintaining the area,” Cr Eckel said.  “In the coming months, their volunteers will be installing new bollards on site to help protect the wonderful natural environment in the area.  Solar lighting will also be a feature of the boat ramp in coming months.”

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