Thursday, October 2, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

A Better Ramp For Boaters: Minister Visits Shute Harbour

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, welcomed the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, to the Whitsundays last week, to inspect the existing boat ramp at Shute Harbour, as part of the LNP Crisafulli Government’s commitment to deliver for regional Queensland.

This visit marks a significant step forward in addressing long-standing safety and congestion issues at the current ramp, which has been widely criticized for its poor design.

The existing boat ramp and walkway is a fixed-structure, meaning it is submerged at high tide, making it unsafe and unusable for boat owners. The design does not provide consistent access for boats, which is the primary function of a boat ramp.

There are insufficient car and trailer parking facilities, leading to situations where boaters cannot launch their vessels.

Many users feel the boat ramp was poorly designed under the previous Labour government, with insufficient community input and disregard for local needs.

A key proposal for the upgrade is the installation of a floating pontoon, which can be removed or adjusted to suit tidal conditions.

Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, joined Minister Mickelberg and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins, for the site visit, and reaffirmed her strong commitment to ensuring the local boating and fishing community plays a central role in shaping the project.

“The current boat ramp simply doesn’t meet the needs of our community,” Amanda Camm MP said. “I have heard loud and clear from locals that a better, safer, more accessible facility is needed – and that’s exactly what we’ll deliver."

Ms Camm confirmed that community consultation will play a vital role in the ramp’s design “Significant interest has already been shown by our local fishing and boating community, and I am committed to ensuring those community members will have input".

“The new boat ramp will form a key part of the broader expansion of the Shute Harbour Precinct, and I look forward to working closely with Whitsunday Regional Council to integrate the project into long-term planning for the area”.

Consultation details and construction timelines will be released in due course.

Minister Mickelberg and Amanda Camm at Shute Harbour Boat Ramp. Photo supplied

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