Boaties are still concerned about the recent additional upgrade to the Rocky Point boat ramp by Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) which has taken place since their initial concerns were voiced at a meeting on 7 September.

Following that urgent meeting with Member for Cook Billy Gordon and Mayor Julie Leu, Mr Gordon wrote to the State Minister responsible for the Rocky Point boat ramp and raised the matter personally during a Parliamentary session in Brisbane.

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• <link rocky-point-boat-ramp-becomes-a-rocky-po.12985.0.html>Rocky Point Boat Ramp

Whilst Mr Gordon welcomed that the DTMR has listened to feedback from users since the ramp reopened and has since carried out urgent works to rectify some of the issues raised, he understands that these latest upgrades may not be the panacea to every users problems on design and tidal movements.

Newsport contacted Mr Gordon advising that there was public concern that the recent works were a band-aid solution and asked whether further works are to continue.

“I would like to get the DMTR to provide me a technical briefing on the current upgrade as well as any future plans before commenting further on the state of works,” he said.

The current works carried out by DTMR to rectify some of the issues raised was to extend the grouted shoulder by approximately 10 metres in order to make it easier for boaties to walk on and depositing additional quantities of coarse river sand on the southern side to assist with berthed operations.

The public is concerned that as a consequence the sand placed on the southern side has now since washed away and the rocks placed on the northern side are washed over the ramp, rendering it still not safe to use for boaties.

It was reported that the original design had a northeastern dogleg addition on the existing groin.  This was not constructed by DTMR.  Out of the original $1 million dollars allocated it was reported that only half was used for the upgrade of the ramp.

At the urgent meeting in September it was suggested that the Newell Beach boat ramp be used as an alternative.  At that time the focus in the meeting was on the Rocky Point boat ramp and the matter was not discussed further.

At the Douglas Shire Council Ordinary Meeting on 8 September a Notice of Motion by Cr Melchert that Council request Mr Gordon to seek funding from the state government to carry out minor works at the Newell Beach boat ramp while the Rocky Point boat ramp corrective works take place and to increase the accessibility and usability of the Newell Beach boat ramp into the future was not moved. The motion was lost three against two.

In the meantime it has been reported that there is likely to be more pressure placed on the the Port Douglas and Daintree boat ramps while Rocky Point and Newell Beach remain either unsafe or unusable.

“Any infrastructure development including maintenance and upgrades to boat ramps, slipways and bridges is likely to create some anxiety about access and inconveniences for users,” said Mr Gordon.

“That is why I ask for continued public support of Mayor Julia Leu and her team and patience.  The Newell Beach boat ramp is a separate matter that I would take cue from the Douglas Shire Council on any future plans for it, given the resource expectations, environmental concerns and current priorities of the Council to consider any future proposal.”

Newsport has contacted Council for comment.