Monday 17 March 2025

Better boating access is coming to the Murray River near Mildura with construction progressing well on a boat ramp upgrade at Red Cliffs Horseshoe Bend.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the single-lane ramp near Red Cliffs had been in poor condition and is being replaced thanks to the reinvestment of $440,000 in recreational boating licence and registration fees through the Better Boating Fund.

The fund has seen in excess of $100 million invested into more than 60 projects and programs to improve boating facilities and access since 2021.

Horseshoe Bend boat ramp is located approximately 25 kilometres south-east of Mildura on the Murray River and provides access to the river for a range of activities including fishing and waterskiing.

The existing ramp surface has been demolished and will be replaced with grooved concrete that extends deeper into the water with a steeper gradient, so trailers don’t need to be backed down as far.

To enable the construction to take place, a cofferdam comprising of sheet piles has been created around the toe of the ramp to keep water out so the new concrete surface can be poured.

Through consultation with local boaters, ramp manager Parks Victoria and OzFish Unlimited, it was identified most users camp nearby so increased or formalised parking was not required.

Parks Victoria is overseeing the project, with local contractor Waters Excavations undertaking the work. Construction is expected to be complete before Easter, with the ramp unavailable while work is ongoing.

Boaters can find information regarding nearby launching locations such as Karadoc or Woomera Avenue at Red Cliffs via the free Boating Vic smartphone app or at www.boating.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“It’s crucial to ensure good boating access on the Murray River so families can get out for a ski, wet a line or just cruise along and enjoy the scenery.”

“Upgrades at Horseshoe Bend are another way we’re reinvesting Victorian boaters’ licence and registration fees back into projects and programs that improve boating right around the state.”