Eildon. Photo: Travel Victoria.

Victoria’s premier destination for house-boating just got even better, says the Andrews Labor Government, announcing funding for the local industry at Lake Eildon.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford made the $500,000 announcement at Lake Eildon today (Fri.), which will expand the local houseboat manufacturing industry creating 20 new jobs.

The media statement said:

At the edge of Eildon’s township is a growing industry of houseboat manufacturing unable to meet its full potential due to the cost and difficulty of transporting the boats between the Eildon industrial estate and Lake Eildon Marina.

Currently, getting newly made or refurbished houseboats to Marina requires a prime mover and a custom designed trailer, and is a challenging and costly exercise due to the transport route and the boat launching arrangements.

The ‘Launching the Floating City’ project will make transport easier and safer, enabling the houseboat manufacturing industry to grow.

The project will move a section of overhead powerlines underground, strategically remove some trees along Sugarloaf Road and the marina driveway, widen a section of Sugarloaf Road and the sealed driveway to the launching ramp, adjust bends on the route to reduce the turning angle and widen road shoulders.

The project will also construct an inspection area and wash-bay to accommodate minor houseboat maintenance and mandatory houseboat inspections.

This project is critical to the expansion of the region’s manufacturing sector as it responds to growing demand for houseboats, including the new generation three-storey houseboats.

In peak season, houseboats accommodate around 5,000 people, who come to Lake Eildon to enjoy the area and spend money in the local businesses.

The Labor Government is supporting this project through its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which invests in initiatives that make regional Victoria a better place to live, work, do business and visit.

Ms Pulford said: “Lake Eildon is the state’s premier location for houseboating, and we’re removing the barriers holding this vital local  industry back.”

“This investment will deliver a safe, convenient, reliable and cost-effective means of transporting houseboats from their manufacturing base to the Lake Eildon Marina.”

“Houseboating is a booming tourist industry for Lake Eildon and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to play our part launching the floating city that is our magnificent Lake Eildon.”

Jaclyn Symes, MLC for Northern Victoria, said: “The number one concern for the industry has been appropriate access to ramps and haulage for houseboats – we’re fixing that and giving more people the opportunity to experience the very best of Lake Eildon.”