Council moves to resolve Shute Harbour boat ramp issues
Whitsunday Regional Council voted to explore options to make the Shute Harbour boat ramp more user friendly by negotiating to remove the fixed ramp and replace it with a floating pontoon.
Councillors voted 4-3 to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate with Maritime Safety Queensland and finalise an agreement to accept marine infrastructure assets at ‘nil’ acquisition costs and install a floating pontoon.
Mayor Julie Hall said she was elated that the motion was passed as it had been a lengthy process to achieve an outcome, but it was crucial as the Shute Harbour boat ramp holds significant importance for our region, serving as a vital access point for maritime activities, tourism, and economic growth.
“Shortly after being elected Mayor in late 2022, I raised our community’s concerns about the boat ramp issue and was appreciative of Minister Mark Bailey for taking my request to meet with him in Brisbane for discussions,” she said.
“My aim was for Council to work proactively with Department Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to explore possible solutions to make the current boat ramp more user friendly based on community feedback.
“I was grateful to the Minister and (MSQ) to be willing to return to the table and work collaboratively with Council to solve an issue that has caused angst within our community.
“I understand and accept the decision that was made by the State Government at the time to build a boat ramp with a fixed walkway after Cyclone Debbie obliterated Shute Harbour.
“Their advice was that a fixed walkway attachment to this boat ramp was required due to the number of cyclones experienced in the Whitsundays, which leads to floating walkways being at risk.
“Without wave mitigation structures it was decided a fixed structure would be the best outcome…hindsight is a wonderful thing.”
Mayor Hall said Council could now move the issue towards a positive outcome and start design for a floating walkway with the current fishing pontoon assisting to provide some wave mitigation and the floating structure could possibly be removeable in the event of a cyclone.
“Council currently owns boat ramps at Port of Airlie, Cannonvale, Mandalay Road and Wilson Beach and we also maintain several boat ramps across the region including Shute Harbour.
“I’m very supportive of this outcome as we have one shot to work with the State and finally finding a solution for our community.
“The current boat ramp issue holds the reputation of our world class marine facility at Shute Harbour to ransom and by owning and improving this asset we will improve useability.
“For our local boating community and visiting boaties, Shute Harbour is one of the best locations in the Whitsundays to launch a boat due to its close proximity to the reef and great fishing spots.
“Council will also continue to advocate strongly for a multi-lane boat ramp and car parking facilities at the Grubby Bay and if this eventuates the Shute boat ramp could be utilised for commercial activities.
Council engaged an industry recognised Quantity Surveyor to undertake costings to install a floating pontoon using a similar design to that of the pontoons located at the Port of Airlie and Whisper Bay (VMR).
Cost estimates for construction of a 47 metre long and 2.5-metre-wide floating pontoon were between $1.18 million and $1.54 million, and Council has already allocated $100,000 in current budget and $400,000 in the 2024-25 budget towards costs.
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Greg Martin, Communications and Marketing Manager
07 4945 0617 or Email: communications@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au