New Wyndham marina in Melbourne expected to boost Victorian economy

Wyndham Harbour Marina, on the western shores of Port Phillip Bay near Werribee in Melbourne, was declared officially open recently.

Welcoming the event, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) said it was a major indication of the importance of residential marina developments to the Victorian economy.

"The marine sector in this state as an industry is worth $4.5 billion to the Victorian economy and provides over 17,700 FTE jobs," said Steven Potts, chief executive of the BIAV.

The projected increase of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port, to nearly 8 million by 2050 from 4.6 million, will see a doubling of boating activities and boost Victoria's 'Blue Economy'.

Potts said developments such as Wyndham Harbour Marina provide a pathway for the private sector to assist in development of Blue Infrastructure, for which the Victorian government or local councils do not have sufficient funds.

The event was attended by Hon. Tim Pallas, State Treasurer.

There are over 172,000 registered boats in Victoria, and with a rapidly growing population, the number of boats in the State is set to double due to increases in population and pressure on green space, seeing the community turning to the blue space of Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.