A MAJOR $810,000 upgrade to Mooloolaba boating facilities is set to begin next week in order to boost access for boating and tourist community.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson welcomed the State-funded work on the ramps, located on Mooloolaba Harbour, at Parkyn Parade, saying it was a significant investment in local marine infrastructure.
“The existing boat ramps will be widened by about four metres, which will allow space for floating walkways to be built at each ramp to assist with boat launching and retrieval,” Ms Simpson said.
“Floating walkways are a great asset to recreational boating facilities, increasing safety and reducing congestion for boaties.
“It’s also an added convenience to assist elderly people and children accessing vessels.”
Ms Simpson said every effort would be made to keep the facilities as usable as possible during the construction period.
“In order to have the project finished as quickly as possible, works will be carried out concurrently at both ramps,” she said.
“However, at least one ramp will be kept open at all times throughout construction to allow access for users. A minimum of two lanes will be available during weekdays, and four lanes on weekends.
“Boaties should exercise caution around the sites and follow installed signage to know which ramp is open at any given time.”
The project will take about 12 weeks but has been deliberately planned to commence after the finish of school holidays to minimize disruption.
Local Sippy Downs-based company Hall Contracting Pty Ltd had been contracted to do the upgrade project.
The projects are being funded by the State Government’s Marine Infrastructure Capital Maintenance Fund, which is funding recreational boating projects across the state.
Each floating walkway is about 30m long and 2.5m wide. Boats can be berthed along both sides of the floating walkway while launching and retrieving. Solar powered bollard lights will be installed to show the edge of the pontoon during night use.
Floating walkways provide benefit to the recreational boating community by increasing the ability to launch and recover trailer boats, reducing congestion at busy times.
