50 million for water lovers

by Darren Roberts on 15 Aug 2007 A $50 million State Government boating infrastructure boost will support 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.

'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 million will be funded by the two year program in Southeast Queensland.

They include:

Deepwater Bend (Pine River) Boat Ramp

The boat ramp at Deepwater Bend will be widened from 1 lane to 2 lanes.

Pelican Park Boat Ramp Dredging

Maintenance dredging will be carried out at the end of the Pelican Park boat ramp for easier access to the ramp.

Pelican Park Pontoon, Clontarf

After completion of the maintenance dredging at the Pelican Park boat ramp, a new rigid pontoon will be built. The project significantly improves boat launching capacity, public safety and accessibility.


Scarborough Boat Harbour Pontoon

A new rigid pontoon will be built adjacent to the eastern boat ramp at Bird of Passage.


Sinbad Street Pontoon, Shorncliffe

A new rigid pontoon will be built at the Sinbad Street Boat Ramp at Cabbage Tree Creek.


Cabbage Tree Creek Boat Harbour Entrance Channel Dredging

Maintenance dredging of the entrance channel to the Cabbage Tree Creek Boat Harbour.


Kirra Street (Pinkenba) Boat Ramp

The existing Kirra Street Boat Ramp at Pinkenba will be rebuilt.


Bayview Terrace Boat Ramp

The boat ramp at Bayview Terrace, Caboolture will be widened.


Outrigger Island Boat Ramp

Acquisition of a recently built boat ramp at Outrigger Island.


Kawana Way Parrearra Boat Ramp

A new single-lane boat ramp will be built at Kawana Way Parrearra.


Roys Road Coochin Creek Boat Ramp

A new single-lane boat ramp will be built at Roys Road Coochin Creek.


Bob Bell Park Boat Ramp

A new two-lane boat ramp will be built at Bob Bell Park, Pine Rivers.


Wynnum Creek Entrance Channel Dredging

Maintenance dredging of the access channel leading up to the Wynnum Creek Boat Ramp.


Mooloolaba Boat Harbour dredging (pile moorings)

Maintenance dredging will be carried out around the pile moorings in the harbour.


Budds Beach Boat Ramp (Birt Avenue)

The single-lane boat ramp at Budds Beach will be rebuilt.


The Spit Pontoon and Boat Ramp

A new rigid pontoon will be built at The Spit on Muriel Henchman Drive, plus repairs to the boat ramp.


Jacobs Well Channel Dredging

QT contributing to planning and dredging of the main channel at Jacobs Well.


Jacobs Well Pontoon

A new rigid pontoon will be built at Jacobs Well.


Cabbage Tree Point Boat Ramp

Planning for the rebuilding of the existing three-lane boat ramp in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.


Eagleby Wetlands Boat Ramp

Planning for a new single lane boat ramp will take place in 2007-08, with construction in 2008-09.


Boykambil Boat Ramp

Planning for the rebuilding of the existing 2 lane boat ramp in 2007-08, with construction planned for 2008-09.


Paradise Point Pontoon replacement

QT will provide 50% of the replacement costs for the pontoon at Paradise Point, with the Gold Coast City Council.


Wellington Point southern Boat Ramp access channel dredging

Maintenance dredging of the access channel to the Wellington Point southern boat ramp.