New pontoon floats the boat for Goondiwindi locals

Goondiwindi boaties on the Macintyre River will soon benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s $1.2 million Western Pontoons Package, with a new pontoon opening later this month.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the addition of the new $240,000 pontoon will make it easier for local boaties to access the boat ramp and launch their vessels.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises just how important boating and fishing is for western Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.

‘‘To date, the Western Pontoons Package has built or upgraded five pontoons in the region since August 2017, and I’m pleased to be able to continue delivering new boating infrastructure to towns like Goondiwindi.’’

The pontoon is 12m long and 4m wide and will be built next to the public boat ramp at the end of Marshall Street.

It will allow for the berthing of recreational vessels up to five tonnes, with Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Graeme Scheu calling the new pontoon “an important asset for the local community”.

“The new pontoon will greatly improve access to the Macintyre River and provide Goondiwindi’s recreational boaties with another reason to get out on our beautiful river,” Mr Scheu said.

“Goondiwindi was recently named Queensland’s Most Liveable Regional Centre, and this new pontoon will only add to the social fabric of the town.”

Goondiwindi Deputy Mayor Rick Kearney thanked the Palaszczuk Government for listening to community interest and funding the pontoon.

“Over the years we’ve received numerous requests from the public to provide a safer, more efficient boarding point for boaties,” Mr Kearney said.

“The new pontoon is exactly what the town needs.”

Works are currently being carried out by Queensland contractor Pacific Pontoon & Pier, with construction scheduled to be completed mid-to-late May, weather permitting.

Goondiwindi Regional Council will partner with the Queensland Government to manage the facility once it’s built.

The project is funded through the Palaszczuk Government’s Marine Infrastructure Fund.

ENDS

Media Contact: Carmel Robertson, 0439 347 875