A FOURTH boat ramp and jetty at Werribee South has moved a step closer, with a $42,000 funding boost announced last week by the State Government.

The Government has already contributed $350,000 towards the project.

Roads and Ports Minister and Tarneit MP Tim Pallas said the marine project was among 63 to share in $3.6million this year as part of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Werribee Flotilla also received $21,000 for a new vessel trailer.

Mr Pallas said the funding would be useful for buying rescue equipment and upgrading boating facilities, and would also support public awareness campaigns and education programs.

The coast guard's deputy commander, Bob Shillitto, said the new vessel would assist in covering Port Phillip Bay between Altona to Portarlington.

Werribee South Fishing Club president Steve Hamerston said the new ramp and jetty would be a welcome addition. "Over

the last few years in particular, the increase in the numbers

[of boat users] coming down here has been extraordinary," he said.

"We've been getting a lot of the overflow from Altona, with the crowds especially large over the snapper season in summer.

"From our point of view any money for the western side of the bay is well spent because we've got so few facilities compared to the other side."