$7 million for Wide Bay water lovers.

A $7 million dollar State Government boating infrastructure boost will support the Wide Bay region’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 $7 million will be funded by the two year program in the Wide Bay / Bundaberg region.

They include:

Queen Street Boat Ramp, north bank of the Burnett River

Reconstruction of the existing 4 lane boat ramp at Queen Street, north bank of the Burnett River.

Gatakers Landing Boat Ramp

Planning for a new 2 lane boat ramp to be built at Gatakers Landing will commence in 2007-08.

Urangan Boat Harbour Dredging

Maintenance of the entrance and internal harbour channels.

Sandy Hook (Burnett River) Boat Ramp

Planning for a new 4 lane boat ramp at Sandy Hook (Burnett River) in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Burnett Downs Boat Ramp

Planning for a single lane boat ramp at Burnett Downs in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Burrum Heads Boat Ramp

Planning to widen the boat ramp at Burrum Heads boat ramp from 1 lane to 2 lanes in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.

Maaroom Pontoon

A new rigid pontoon will be built at Maaroom boat ramp.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947 / 0448 184566.