Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
The new boat ramp at Newell Beach has been completed in time for locals to enjoy the start of the peak reef fishing season.
The Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui MP said she was pleased to announce the much-anticipated ramp is now open to the public.
“This important all-tide facility built at a cost of $3.5 million was a government commitment in 2017, and since then we have undertaken community consultation as part of the extensive planning process," Ms Lui said.
"The new facility features a new causeway, a two-lane boat ramp with a central fixed walkway and a much-needed fishing platform.
"Due to the flooding debris and potential wave impacts at the entrance to the Mossman River, the fixed walkway is best suited to the site conditions at Newell Beach.
"The walkway is designed to provide berthing access at any stage of the tide without boaties having to get into the water."
Ms Lui officially opened the boat Ramp today and said she was immensely pleased with the result.
“Today’s opening has its origins in a meeting that I had with Newell Beach locals, Bill Allison and Cr Roy Zammataro back in 2017. We stood at the old ramp and they pointed out the problems that they had using it.
“In particular, Bill told the story about how one day, his boat got stuck in the mud as he was coming home from a day’s fishing and he had to get out of the boat and drag it to the edge of the ramp. And then he pointed out the crocodiles that live on the other side of the river and I knew that there had to be a better way.
“I pay tribute to the many locals who contributed to the consultations about the design. Through their direct input, Marine Services Queensland have included a fishing area which is designed to be accessible for all. This boat ramp is a significant piece of social infrastructure that will be well used by the many boaties and fishers in the Douglas Shire well into the future,” she said.
Ms Lui thanked the construction company Australian Marine and Civil for an excellent job.
Funding was provided by the Maritime Safety Queensland’s – Maritime Infrastructure Investment Program which delivers better public boating facilities across the state.
ENDS
Media contact: Cook Electorate Office: 4223 1100
