Local fisherman and 81-year-old retiree, John Anderson, was ready to set off on a day of fishing with his two grandchildren when he was severely injured using the Shute Harbour boat ramp and pontoon.
The pontoon and boat ramp, installed in July last year for $1.4 million by State Government, was the scorn of Whitsunday boaties upon completion, who claimed it would be “impossible to be opened without somebody getting badly hurt.”
They claim that the design, which sees the pontoon fixed in place, is dangerous – but Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said in July last year that the design was “special, glass fibre polymer” and was built as such to withstand cyclonic conditions.
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP slammed the design at the time, claiming it was “sub-standard”.
Since then, reports of injuries have flown into the offices of local Councillor Jan Clifford, as well as Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP – both of whom were strong advocates against the ramp.
The latest injury toll was Mr Anderson.
“It’s a disaster, an absolute disaster. I’m not the first person to be injured on it either,” Mr Anderson said.
“My hand is broken; I was covered in bruises and cuts. I was standing on the pontoon, trying to get into the boat, and with the ramp on an angle and the pontoon on angle, it’s impossible.
“The boat stays level and if the boat moves while you’re trying to get in, you’re gone; you’re either in the water or the boat. I was flung into the boat and next minute I was on the deck.”
Mr Anderson said there were so many complaining about how dangerous the pontoon is “and here’s proof.”
“That pontoon should either be knocked out or permanently closed to the public. It’s a hazard, a public hazard, and its waiting for more injuries to come,” he said.
Mr Anderson took the issue to Councillor Clifford as well as the Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm.
They are pursuing the issue with relevant state bodies.
John Anderson suffered severe injuries at the Shute Harbour boat ramp and pontoon, which included a broken hand and widespread bruising and cuts
