Funding secured for new boat ramp

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the grant would see a new boat-launching area built at Seagull Street, easing boatie traffic at other popular locations throughout the Mackay region.

"The community told us they wanted a new facility at Slade Point. I’m glad the Palaszczuk Government has been able to secure vital funding to help council build a new ramp,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“It’s a real win for boaties and our region. It’s rare to find flat foreshore land in key locations like this to build new boatie infrastructure,” she said.

An earlier ramp was subject to severe scouring and erosion of the banks and removed for safety reasons.

Mrs Gilbert said the plan was for a new single-lane boat ramp supported by 15 car-trailer parking bays.

“After continued discussions with the community, I'm pleased that we’ve been able to work closely with the mayor and council to deliver such a great outcome for boaties.”

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said council was delivering on a long-standing community request for a boat-launching facility at Slade Point.

"I am very happy the Queensland Government is joining council in this important partnership," he said.

In-water works are expected to start mid next year with completion, pending necessary construction approvals by late 2021.

Council will undertake community engagement on the project design as soon as it is able to. The plan accompanying this website article is a draft design.