Council Adopts Recreational Boating Strategy
Recreational Boating Strategy Sets Course for Victor Harbor’s Boating Future
A new strategic plan will help guide the City of Victor Harbor’s future boating priorities while supporting recreational fishers, marine industries and visitor experiences.
The City of Victor Harbor's Recreational Boating Strategy 2026 provides a framework for how Council will plan for and prioritise future boating infrastructure across the region, helping Council respond to growing demand, improve safety outcomes and strengthen opportunities to secure external funding for future projects.
The plan was developed with advice from the Boating and Marine Facilities Advisory Group and informed by significant public consultation. Community engagement received feedback from around 700 recreational fishers, boating groups, marine businesses, residents, visitors and community organisations, reflecting the strong community interest from across the region.
Boating is an important part of the region's lifestyle for families, local anglers, visitors to the region and the businesses supporting marine activities provide significant economic input. With increasing demand on boating facilities, changing recreational boating needs and ongoing safety considerations, the strategy identifies opportunities for future improvements to boating infrastructure and supporting facilities while recognising the importance of protecting the region's environmental assets and cultural heritage values.
Importantly, the strategy will help Council to advocate for investment from State and Federal governments by providing a clear, evidence-based understanding of current challenges, future needs and community priorities.
Mayor Moira Jenkins said the adoption of the strategy is an important step in planning for the future of recreational boating across the region.
"The level of community participation throughout this process reflects how important boating infrastructure is to many people across Victor Harbor and the wider Fleurieu region.
"We heard valuable feedback from a wide range of people, all bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the conversation.
"This strategy will guide Council in making future decisions about boating infrastructure while supporting safe access to our waters and recognising the environmental and cultural values that make our coastline unique.
"It also provides a stronger foundation for Council to work with government agencies and other stakeholders and advocate for funding opportunities for boating infrastructure priorities for our region."
While the strategy does not commit Council to specific projects, it establishes a clear direction as Victor Harbor continues to grow as both a coastal community and tourism destination, to guide future boating infrastructure discussions and support the role boating plays in local businesses, tourism and the lifestyle that attracts so many people to Victor Harbor.
The Recreational Boating Strategy 2026 is available on the City of Victor Harbor website: Boating-Strategy_2026.pdf