The system for licensing boat sheds at Werribee South will get a shake-up for the first time in 13 years.
Major changes include offering a two-year moratorium during which council will inspect all sheds and assess them for remediation or repair.
If works are then completed to council’s satisfaction, a new licence will be issued for 10 years. Those who do not complete the works within the two-year term will not be licensed, and council may repossess their boat shed.
Annual license fees will also rise from the original fixed fee of $250 per annum, to $350.
The changes come as concerns grow over the deteriorating condition of many sheds along the waterfront, with council citing risks to licensees and the public as cause for concern.
Wyndham Boatshed Association president Bruce McLeod welcomed the changes.
“We’re definitely quite pleased with the outcome,” he said. “It has been a long, drawn-out three-year process, but the result makes it worthwhile.”
He said the members are pleased with the 10 year licence offer.
“It gives us continuity and security,” he said. “The old system had us applying for a new licence every three years, so now we know we’re holding onto it for a bit longer, we will spend that extra money on the sheds.”
“A lot of the sheds down there need a coat of paint and some repairs; it’s good that that will now get done.”
Ms McLeod said the majority of boat shed users were fisherpeople, who used the sheds to store boats.
The changes to the licensing will now go to the department of environment, land, water and planning for endorsement.
