$10 million for Central Queensland water lovers.

A $10 million dollar State Government boating infrastructure boost will support Central Queensland’s buoyant love affair with the water.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said a water focussed strategy over the next two years will deliver new and upgraded boat ramps, pontoons and the continuation of long-term dredging strategies.

“State-wide over the next two years we’re investing $50 million in better boating infrastructure.

“At work or at play, Queenslanders love the water,” Mr Lucas said.

“Our enthusiasm for the water runs so deep Queensland is sailing close to NSW for line honours as Australia’s boating capital.

“That’s why the Queensland Government is spending more than double on boating infrastructure and related services than the state’s boat owners pay in registration.

“In 2006-07 the Beattie Government spent $28.5 million on boating infrastructure an and marine services, but collected only $13.5 million in registration fees from Queensland boaties.”

Mr Lucas said in the last four years there had been a strong increase in the number of recreational boats registered in the Sunshine State.

“In 2003 the number of recreational boats registered was floating at around 175,000, but by May this year we’d hit the high water mark with 212,000 - that’s an increase of 21 percent.

“Queensland Transport is working closely with local governments to deliver new boating infrastructure projects around the state,” Mr Lucas said.

Several projects, totalling approximately $10 million will be funded by the two year program in Central Queensland.

They include:

Tannum Sands Boat Ramp (Ibis Park)

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Tannum Sands in 2007-08 with construction planned for 2008-09.

Rosslyn Bay Pontoon

A new rigid pontoon will be built in Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour over 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Rosslyn Bay Boat Ramp

Queensland Transport will contribute 50% of the cost of replacing the boat ramp at Rosslyn Bay.

Coorooman Creek Boat Ramp

Planning to replace the existing 1 lane boat ramp at Coorooman Creek with a 2 lane boat ramp in 2007-08 with construction planned for 2008-09.

Apsley Way Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Aspley Way in 2007-08 and construction planned for 2008-09.

Bucasia Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Bucasia in 2007-08 with construction planned for 2008-09.

Bowen Entrance Channel Dredging

Planning for the dredging at the entrance channel at Bowen Boat Harbour in 2007-08 with dredging to commence in 2008-09.

Freshwater Point Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Freshwater Point in 2007-08 and construction planned for 2008-09.

Sarina Inlet Boat Ramp

Planning for the widening of the existing boat ramp to 2 lanes will commence in 2007-08 with construction planned for 2008-09.

Sarina Point Boat Ramp

Planning to overlay the existing boat ramp in 2007-08 with construction planned for 2008-09.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.