Warrnambool misses out on funding for upgrades to city harbour

Chief executive officer Bruce Anson said the application for a cash injection for the controversial site had not been forthcoming. 

“Our application for $3.22 million under the 2017/18 funding round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program has been unsuccessful,” Mr Anson said.

“We were advised that 51 applications totalling $13.07 million were received. No list of successful projects or the total value funded has been released.

“We have arranged meetings with the department to further discuss our application as well as alternative funding sources.”

Damage on the breakwater walls has been caused by huge breaking waves over the years since it was built.

The funding announcement comes after city councillors said on Tuesday if the state government wouldn’t fund upgrades to the city harbour, it could take the management of its port back.

Cr Mike Neoh is considering putting forward a notice of motion at an upcoming council meeting.

The councillors said the goal posts on application requirements changed each time the council applied.

State ports minister Luke Donellan said on Wednesday the government was supporting the council through funding options, despite it not being successful in the latest round.  

The Local Ports Program provides $91,044 for the operation of the port to the council. 

The 2018/19 Moyne Shire budget shows the state government will give the Port of Port Fairy $436,000 for operational management of the port depot including permanent staffing, around 50 berths, two slipways, a boat ramp, wharves and marina, and annual dredging.

Last year it was $463,000. 

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