$29M FOR BETTER BOATING ACCESS AND SAFETY

$29M FOR BETTER BOATING ACCESS AND SAFETY

The first of two new boat ramps for Mackay will be open to local boaties within weeks.

Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Affairs Minister, John Mickel, said in Mackay today the new two-lane Bucasia Boat Ramp was close to completion and that planning was well advanced for a new single lane boat ramp at Apsley Way, expected to be completed by June 2009.

Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government’s investment in Mackay boating infrastructure was part of a record investment in new funding for infrastructure and safety improvements for Queensland’s boating community.

“This is part of a $29 million investment for the boating community of Queensland that will also include more than $10 million for Maritime Safety Queensland services,” he said.

"Queenslanders have always had a love of boating and making the most of this state's wonderful coastline, rivers and inland waterways.

“The government is committed to providing the facilities they need to do so safely and with adequate accessibility.

“The Central Queensland area from Bundaberg to Mackay will benefit from a $4 million investment in new and upgraded recreational boating facilities.

“The new Bucasia ramp replaces an old facility and fulfils the government’s promise to Mackay boaties to provide a modern facility in time for this boating season.

“A new single lane boat ramp will be constructed at Apsley Way in 2009 to keep pace with the tremendous growth in the local boating community.

"With more than 222,000 registered recreational vessels, Queensland now has the largest recorded number of recreational vessels of any State in Australia.

"We are experiencing growing demand for new and improved ramps, pontoons and better navigation channels." Mr Mickel said.

The $4 million of projects for 2008-09 in Bundaberg and Central Queensland include:

Central Queensland

Bucasia Boat Ramp

Construction of a two lane boat ramp at Bucasia is scheduled for completion in September 2008

Apsley Way Boat Ramp

Construction of a new single lane boat ramp at Apsley Way by June 2009

1770 Boat ramp

Planning for the upgrade of the 1770 boat ramp to three lanes (including replacement of an existing lane) to commence this year, with construction scheduled for completion by June 2010

Ramsay Crossing (The Narrows) Boat Ramp

Upgrading of the ramp is planned for completion by June 2009

Tannum Sands Boat Ramp (Ibis Park)

Construction of a new two lane boat ramp at Tannum Sands is scheduled completion by June 2009

Rosslyn Bay Pontoon

A new pontoon at Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour being planned this year with construction by June 2010

Coorooman Creek Boat Ramp

Replacement of the existing one lane boat ramp at Coorooman Creek with a new two lane ramp by June 2009

Sarina Inlet Boat Ramp

Widening of the Sarina Inlet Boat Ramp to two lanes is scheduled for completion by June 2009

Bundaberg Region

Woodgate Boat Ramp

A review of the recycled plastic overlay and replacement of the remaining decking to be completed by late December 2008

Kolan River Boat Ramps

Boat ramps at Booyanand Miara on the Kolan River to undergo structural maintenance by late 2008

Queen Street, Bundaberg Boat Ramp, north bank of the Burnett River

The existing four lane boat ramp at Queen Street, north bank of the Burnett River, to be reconstructed in late 2008

Burnett Downs Boat Ramp

Construction of a single lane boat ramp at Burnett Downs scheduled for completion by June 2009

Sunday 31 August 2008

Media contact – Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or 0409 588 302