Cargo ships using Victoria's Port Phillip Bay could be tolled

Cargo ships using Victoria's "blue highway" should pay a toll and the money be put into a fund for coastal protection and infrastructure, says the Victorian Coast Council.

A coastal future fund, funded by a toll on cargo ships using Port Phillip Bay, could be key to paying for much needed infrastructure like roads and ramps, says council chairman Jon Hickman.

"Putting a toll on the 'blue highway' would be one way of creating such a fund," Mr Hickman said on Sunday.

"Councils simply don't have the resources needed to cope with the coastal impacts of population growth and climate change."

The Victorian Coast Council advises Environment Minister Lisa Neville on coastal matters.

Boating Association of Victoria chief executive Steven Potts backed the proposal, saying a fund would benefit Port Phillip, Western Port and other coastal areas.

In a submission to the Coastal Council Review, Mr Potts said it could help pay for new boat ramps, piers, jetties and walkways.

"The Victorian Blue Infrastructure Future Fund would provide a vehicle to bring together a focus and funding program to deal with the interrelationships of population growth, climate change and marine management," he said.