The proposal, outlined in a letter from Moyne Shire Council, applies an annual increase of 10 per cent "to all berthing fees applicable to the Port of Port Fairy" year on year for the next decade.

The first annual rise would apply from July 1, 2022.

The increases would compound each year, meaning fees would rise by around 260 per cent by 2032.

Local boat owners John Clue and Peter Ryan were concerned some people would no longer be able to moor their boats at the port if the proposed increases were approved.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The fee for a small boat would go from around $1500 per year to almost $4000.

"We're not against fee increases, we understand that prices go up, but we can't understand this huge increase," Mr Clue said.

He said if the proposal went through he would sell his boat.

Moyne Shire councillor Jim Doukas chairs the Port of Port Fairy Delegated Committee, which proposed the fee rise. He said the demand for higher fees came from the state government.

"The Department of Transport want us to get more out of the mooring fees," Cr Doukas said.

The port received 19 per cent of its annual revenue from fees and charges, most of which are mooring fees. The department expected that figure to be closer to 33 per cent.

The remainder of the port's revenue came from the Department of Transport's coffers.

The department said Port Fairy's mooring fees were far lower than the state average. Mr Clue and Mr Ryan argued this reflected the rudimentary facilities at the port.

"You wouldn't say it's the most up to date setup. All you really get is a place to tie up your boat," Mr Ryan said.

Cr Doukas said the mooring fees were still cheap when compared to similar facilities in places like Lorne or Portland.

"We've got the best setup and the cheapest mooring fees anywhere along the coast, so there should be any complaints on that front," he said.

Councillor James Purcell chaired the port committee for many years and said the government was probably looking for a way to raise extra revenue.

"I think what's happened is the state government has had a look at it and decided they're putting too much into the ports," he said.

Cr Doukas acknowledged the fee hike on mooorings wouldn't fund any extra amenities or maintenance, it would simply redress the balance of revenue coming from the government. He disagreed with the idea the fee hike would make moorings unaffordable or force long time boat owners to leave the port.

"I don't think these increases in fees will force that to happen. These are not exorbitant fees."

He said the committee was seeking feedback from boat owners on the proposal and was open to suggestions.

"If there's a you beaut idea in there we will certainly look at that," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group