Port of Williamstown Action group

Boating Industry Association of Victoria © Boating Industry Association of Victoria

During the past three years, BIAV, along with PoWAG (Port of Williamstown Action group) have campaigned for a review and remedy in relation to concerning wave and surge danger at Hobsons Bay, Williamstown.

We were delighted when Parks Victoria, with State Government resourcing, endeavoured to address the damaging and dangerous effects of this surge and when a detailed study was undertaken. It was delayed by covid interruptions, however was completed and released early this year. Whilst we are disappointed that infrastructure level wave attenuation is not currently being considered as a study outcome, we are pleased that something is being done.

Click here for a link to public consultation in relation to this, and in particular a proposed 5 knot waterway rule change for the Williamstown Local Port Area. Industry, boaters and all waterways users are encouraged to engage and provide a view on this.

BIAV will watch with interest as to whether the rule change comes into effect, and then whether wave and surge incidents are reduced in both frequency and volume. We hope this will be the case and that as a result safety outcomes are improved, and waterfront damage is reduced. Failing that, we will revert to our call for wave attenuation of the required level so that a thriving shipping, port, and ferry environment can co-exist with this significant boating and marine industry precinct.