Whitsunday Regional Council is extremely pleased the Queensland Government has honoured their election commitment of $3 million for the VMR Whisper Bay boat ramp allowing Council to begin work on the important community project.
Mayor Jenny Whitney said Council has continued to advocate for this upgrade since 2012 and it’s fantastic to finally be delivering it for the people of the Whitsunday region and we thank the Queensland Government for honouring their election commitment so quickly.
“Council has already undertaken preparatory work for the project and based on the Queensland Government’s agreement to fund the project, we expect to have the new boat ramp completed by the end of the year,” she said.
“Council has already prepared 42,000m3 of rock from our Foxdale Quarry to construct the breakwater, which will shelter the boat ramp.
“State Government officials are on the ground today inspecting the boat ramp site in preparation for the lodgement of the tidal works application.
“The designs, costings and timeline for the project have been finalised, with 3D designs available to the public (attached).
“Once the permit for tidal works is approved by the State Government, a Council resolution will be sought for construction and tenders will be advertised for the work.
“We expect the entire project will be completed by the end of the year, providing the Whitsunday community with a safe all weather boat ramp.
“The local community has been calling for the break water and boat ramp upgrade for a number of years.
“The current Whisper Bay boat ramp is the only boat ramp in the area that has adequate boat trailer parking spaces, so is very popular among the boating community.
“However, due to its exposure to the open sea launching and retrieving a boat at this site is currently extremely difficult and dangerous at times due to high waves hitting the ramp.
“Once complete the new Whisper Bay VMR boat ramp will also ease congestion at the Port of Airlie boat ramp.
“The Whitsunday region has the highest rate of recreational boat ownership per population in Queensland, at 16%.
“Due to the increase in population in the Whitsunday community the public boat ramps are extremely popular and very busy every weekend.
“I know the upgraded facility at Whisper Bay will be very much appreciated by the local community,” she said.
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