Cr Kelson revealed about 700 submissions had been lodged ranking three upgrade options. 

While Warrnambool City Council is yet to confirm the breakdown, Cr Kelson believes a majority favour the most expensive possibility, enclosing the harbour by building seawalls from the beach and off the existing breakwater.  

He said an independent report by accounting firm Ernst and Young showed recreational fishing was worth $7.1 billion to the economy.

“I’m not a fisherman, but I will be backing a fully enclosed harbour simply because of the benefits it would have on the rest of the community,” Cr Kelson said. 

“If council is committed to creating more jobs and sustainable development, we need the infrastructure and leadership at the council level.” 

His comments come ahead of a likely vote by councillors on December 7 to select one of the options. 

Two community based groups developed the options and released them for public comment in August. 

They include upgrades to the boat ramp, a semi-enclosed harbour or a fully enclosed harbour. The aim is to reduce the impact of wave surges for those launching and retrieving boats. 

“We have sat on our hands for too long,” Cr Kelson said. 

“People close to this want to see action and they won’t be happy with anything less than option c.”