Boat ramp works on the go at Lake Buffalo

Better boat ramps in the future © Boating Industry Association of Victoria

Getting out onto the water at Lake Buffalo will be made easier with construction beginning on a $250,000 boating upgrade at Marshalls Ridge.

The upgrade is being funded by the Andrews Labor Government's $33 million Better Boating Fund, which reinvests boating licence and registration fees back into projects and programs to improve boating.

Better Boating Victoria (BBV) has worked with facility managers to progress concept designs for the project as part of the state's biggest ever boat ramp construction program.

Improvements are being managed by Goulburn-Murray Water and include formalising parking and boat preparation areas near the ramp to reduce queueing and make parking trailers easier.

Existing dirt parking areas will have compacted gravel laid down to make them easier to access in all conditions.

Additional works include reinforcing the foreshore area around the boat ramp to allow for temporary mooring and to reduce the impacts of erosion.

The connection between the boat launching area and the top of the ramp will also be improved making it easier to reverse a trailer down the ramp when launching or retrieving boats.

Lake Buffalo is in the heart of Victoria's High Country at the foot of Mount Buffalo, about a 20-minute drive from Myrtleford and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The lake offers ever-improving fishing thanks to stocking from the Victorian Fisheries Authority, as well as enough space for families to ski or tow a donut.

Disruptions to boaters during construction are expected to be minimal, and Goulburn-Murray Water anticipates work will be completed in June.

The Labor Government has already made it free to park and launch at Victorian boat ramps and has embarked on the most significant boat ramp construction program in the state's history.

To view the plans, head to www.betterboating.vic.gov.au.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne:

"Lake Buffalo is a spectacular spot to enjoy a day on the water and these upgrades will make it easier for boaters to launch and retrieve their vessels."

"Formalised parking areas, a better access road and protecting the boat ramp from erosion will all make Lake Buffalo a go-to destination for boaters in the state's North East."

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes:

"North East Victoria is renowned for offering great outdoor recreation opportunities. This upgrade will ensure boating and fishing at Lake Buffalo will be better than ever."