Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Mayor Makes Headway On Shute Harbour Boat Ramp

Last Thursday, Mayor Julie Hall announced that she had been speaking with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and has arranged an onsite meeting at the Shute Harbour boat ramp in late March.

The boat ramp has been a point of contention for boat-owners within our community since it opened in 2021.

The $1.8 million state-owned structure has been called an “engineering disgrace” and becomes submerged at hightide, with many boaties calling it dangerous and not fit for use.

Mayor Julie Hall and Director of Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy have been in talks with DTMR and are now pleased to inform the community that an inspection of the site has been approved.

“Council has received plenty of criticism that the new boat ramp is not practical, but the boat ramp is a state-owned government funded asset,” said the Mayor.

“I initially raised our community’s concerns about the boat ramp issue in talks with Minister Mark Baily late last year and we are grateful that he gave an assurance that he would arrange a meeting onsite with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

“Our aim now is to work with DTMR and MSQ to explore possible solutions to make the current boat ramp more user friendly based on community feedback.”

Shute Harbour Coordinator Shaun Cawood, Mayor Julie Hall and Director of Infrastructure Services Adam Hagy at the Shute Harbour boat ramp. Photo supplied

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