Mr Jennings said the Portarlington Safe Harbour Plan showed the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to delivering the $4 million Bays and Maritime Initiative – Our Bays Vision plan.

“We understand the importance of this harbour to the people of Portarlington and that's why we are taking action to bring this long-term vision of the harbour to reality,” Mr Jennings said.

“To go with the state-of-the-art safe working harbour, on land there will be improvements to the foreshore environment that will provide a first-class recreational and tourism experience for residents and visitors.

“The Safe Harbour Plan supports the local mussel farming industry and has the capacity for a ferry service. On land, works include development of a town square, closure of Pier Street to vehicles, creation of a path
network, rationalisation of car parking, tree planting and the development of new small scale commercial business opportunities fronting the harbour.

“These upgrades and new facilities will provide a boost for the local economy through building works and tourism, both of which will create jobs for the region.

“The strong support we have received for many of these initiatives demonstrate this Plan truly reflects the community's values and aspirations for Portarlington.”

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville welcomed the Portarlington Safe Harbour Plan that will see significant improvements to harbour facilities and improvements to the foreshore.

“The local community have made a fantastic contribution to these plans and are helping to shape the look and feel of their area,” Ms Neville said.

“During the consultation with the Portarlington community a total of 1230 submissions were received in response to the draft plan.

“Two key changes made to the plan in direct response to community concerns are that the proposed hotel development on the Bowls Club site is a longer term option requiring further investigation while the layout of the harbour was changed to improve functionality,” she said.

The plan has been led by Parks Victoria in consultation with the City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, Tourism Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Marine Safety Victoria.

Visit the Portarlington Safe Harbour Master Plan page for further information.