$15.5 million for Northern water lovers.

A $15.5 million dollar State Government boating infrastructure boost will support Northern 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 $15.5 million will be funded by the two year program in Northern Queensland.

They include:

Mapoon Boat Ramp at Cullen Point

A new single lane boat ramp at Cullen Point, Mapoon is planned for 2007-08.

Marina Plains Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Marina Plains will start in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Starke River Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Starke River will commence in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Idabu (Thursday Island) Dredging

Dredging under the Idabu Pontoon for easier access to the pontoon.

Plantation Creek Boat Ramp

Planning for an additional lane at Plantation Creek Boat Ramp to 3 lanes starts in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Jerona Boat Ramp

Planning for an additional lane at Jerona Boat Ramp to 2 lanes will commence in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Karumba Point Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp at Karumba Point will commence in 2007-08, construction planned for 2008-09.

Norman River Boat Ramp

Planning for an additional lane at Norman River Boat Ramp to 2 lanes will commence in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.