Government listening on Mission Beach boating infrastructure

Mission Beach residents have the opportunity this week to share their views on plans for upgrading Clump Point Jetty and boat ramp at Mission Beach.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said senior officers from his department have travelled to the region to outline ongoing efforts to rebuild and upgrade boating infrastructure damaged by Cyclone Yasi in February 2011.

“Since Cyclone Yasi devastated areas of North Queensland three years ago, much work has been done to rebuild and rejuvenate the Clump Point Jetty and boat ramp at Mission Beach,” Mr Seeney said.

“We’ve now reached a point where we can present detailed concept plans for the works to local residents to seek their feedback.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Queensland coastal towns and we want to ensure the $16 million State and Federal funding package for Mission Beach delivers the right boating infrastructure, in the right place, at the right time.

“Works proposed at both the boat ramp and jetty will not only upgrade facilities for recreational boating and improve safety for commercial operators, it would create economic development opportunities as well.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps encouraged Mission Beach locals to view concept design displays at Wongaling Shopping Centre and speak with government staff.

“I know there is keen interest in this project and I’m pleased to see further consultation taking place to ensure we get this right,” Mr Cripps said.

“The feedback the department has received from local groups and from the community following the circulation of a recent survey shows there is strong local interest in this project.

“I want to see a good outcome for recreational boaties, commercial users and the tourism industry at Mission Beach and the Newman Government is committed to meet the needs of the whole community.”

Surveys seeking feedback on the proposals were mailed to 1700 Mission Beach residents last week. Staff from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning will be at the Wongaling Shopping Centre tomorrow until Friday (19-21 February).

[ENDS] 18 February 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744