Sunshine Coast boat ramps set for a makeover

Sunshine Coast boaties will benefit from several boat ramp upgrades planned as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $30 million Marine Infrastructure Fund.

Acting Main Roads and Ports Minister Steven Miles said a contract had recently been awarded which will see nearly half a million dollars spent to upgrade boat ramps at Maroochydore and Currimundi.

"Queensland is leading the nation with boat registrations and with a constantly growing and evolving community of anglers, boaties and recreational watercraft users, it’s important we keep up with the demand,” Mr Miles said.

As of July 2017, there are currently 258,352 registered vessels statewide, 17,050 of these are in the Sunshine Coast council area and 21,834 in the Moreton Bay council area.

“The Marine Infrastructure Fund is boosting boat ramps, floating walkways, pontoons and improved channel access right across Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“The boat ramp at Fishermans Road in Maroochydore will be rebuilt to current standards with a new floating walkway installed in the middle of the lane.

“The Lara Street boat ramp at Currimundi will also have the lower section of the ramp rebuilt and extended about seven metres.”

Mr Miles said Australian Marine and Civil were recently awarded the $470,000 contract to complete these important upgrades.

“Works on the busy Fishermans Road ramp are expected to start following the September school holidays,” he said.

“Partial closures of the ramp will be required with the contractor endeavouring to keep one lane open.

“Works to the Lara Street boat ramp are also expected to start in early October and will require a full closure of the facility.

“Works to both facilities are expected to be completed in time for the December school holidays, weather permitting.”

Mr Miles said other works were planned for the Sunshine Coast with a new pontoon to be installed at Mooloolaba.

“A new pontoon will be constructed at Penny Lane in the Mooloolaba Harbour,” he said.

“The Jetty Specialists have been successful in winning the contract for this project with works expected to start in October.

“These projects will greatly improve safety at these locations and make it easier to launch and retrieve vessels for recreational boaties and their passengers.

“We thank boaties for their patience while these important upgrades are underway.”

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects.

ENDS

Media contact, Dominic Geiger, 0447355565