About Victoria's local ports
Local ports play a vital role in local communities and support industries of importance to Victoria's economy.
Local ports along Victoria's coasts provide services to the commercial fishing industry, charter boats, and recreational fishing and boating interests.
They are also key recreation and tourist assets and contribute significantly to the regional economies.
Also on this page:
- Sustainable Local Ports Framework
- Local port management
- Local ports map
- Williamstown Maritime Precinct development
Sustainable Local Ports Framework
Piers and jetties play a significant role in Victorian communities, supporting marine businesses and local recreation as well as broader tourism opportunities.
Through the State Budget 2021-22, the Victorian Government has committed $2.5 million to implement the Sustainable Local Ports Framework to provide a consistent planning and decision-making pathway.
The Department of Transport has commenced implementation of the framework to improve local ports management.
The framework outcomes will assist government in prioritising and directing future investment to where it is needed most.
The framework incorporates four principles reflecting government’s role in local ports. When priority assets have been established, local area plans will be developed for those key precincts guided by community and stakeholder engagement.
Download the Sustainable Local Ports Framework [PDF 191 KB].
Local port management
Local ports are managed with the support of a funding program administered by the Department of Transport.
| Local port | Port manager | Contact number |
|---|---|---|
|
Gippsland Ports Committee of Management Inc | (03) 5150 0500 |
|
Port Phillip and Western Port |
Parks Victoria | 13 19 63 |
| Port Fairy | Moyne Shire Council | (03) 5568 1108 |
| Apollo Bay | Colac-Otway Shire Council | (03) 5232 9400 |
| Warrnambool | Warrnambool City Council | (03) 5559 4800 |
| Port Campbell | Parks Victoria | 13 19 63 |
| Lorne | Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority | 1300 736 533 |
| Barwon Heads | Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc | (03) 5254 1118 |
| Portland Bay | Glenelg Shire Council | (03) 5522 2140 |
Victoria's local ports
Williamstown Maritime Precinct development
The Williamstown Maritime Precinct is a premier maritime and tourist destination providing an important space for the local community, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year.
We’re planning for the future of the precinct, while protecting and building on its thriving maritime and cultural heritage so it can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.
The Victorian Government invested $200,000 for a study to develop the Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework. The study explored the values and insights of local stakeholders, industry and the community to ensure it meets the needs of those who live, work and visit the area .
Extensive engagement was undertaken throughout the project, working with local residents, businesses, industry, traditional owners and visitors. This included more than 200 respondents to public surveys and online sessions.
The final framework sets out a vision for the precinct that protects and builds upon the areas as a premier tourism, recreation and commercial destination.
Six key initiatives are highlighted in the report, including proposed changes for better pedestrian and cyclists foreshore paths, boat maintenance facilities, improved car parking and connectivity between waterfront sites.
Implementation of the framework is already underway with planning for the BAE Systems Australia site in progress.
This work complements the Sustainable Local Ports Framework funded in this year’s state budget and was developed in conjunction with the Williamstown Wave Surge Study currently being finalised by Parks Victoria.