Commercial anglers in Portland have received a much-needed infrastructure boost at the Local Port of Portland Bay. The Trawler Wharf, home to Portland’s growing commercial fishing industry, now boasts a new amenities facility for commercial users and public alike.

Former Chair of the dissolved Local Port of Portland Bay Advisory Committee Geoff White said the building added to the range of first-class facilities in Portland at the foreshore precinct. “For commercial and recreational fishers, and tourists, the facilities here are unparalleled across Local Ports on the Victorian coastline,” he said. “Furthermore, thanks to generous funding arrangements from the State Government, there is no cost to the Shire’s ratepayers.”

Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said the need for the facility came from user feedback, and recommendations from the now dissolved Local Port of Portland Bay Advisory Committee. “Fishing operators have been calling for these new amenities to help improve the commercial fishing experience in Portland.

“Thanks to State Government funding, we have been able to deliver this important project alongside a package of works to transform the Local Port of Portland Bay,” she said. “The facilities opened earlier this month and in that short space of time we have received several comments from users welcoming the new facility, and the ease it provides businesses operating from the precinct.”

Mayor Rank said there would be further developments at the Local Port in the coming weeks. “The contractors are on track to start installation of the pontoons for all three projects – the marina extension, town jetty and trawler wharf extension – for mid-late July which is fantastic,” she said. “The installation process will take a couple of months, meaning all three projects will be complete and ready for public use by Spring.”

The trawler wharf amenities project was funded by the Department of Transport.