Port’s abandoned boats expected to get the boot

PORT DOUGLAS

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Dicksons Inlet in Port Douglas is expected to benefit from a major funding announcement to remove derelict boats from the Queensland coast. IMAGE: Supplied.

ABANDONED boats in Dicksons Inlet are expected to be removed as part of $20 million funding allocation from the Queensland Government.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui and Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu have vowed to work together to ensure the Port Douglas waterway is not forgotten when ship wrecks are extracted along the state’s coastline.

It is estimated up to 13 abandoned boats form part of Dicksons Inlet.

“Certainly abandoned derelict vessels have been an eyesore in Dicksons Inlet for way to many years,” Mayor Leu said.

“They are an environmental hazard and pose and extreme danger during times of cyclones.

“This community, myself, councillors, the local marine advisory committee have been working for many years to try and get some action from the state government so they can be removed.”

It’s believed up to $250,000 in State Government funding would be required to clear the wrecks in Port Douglas.

Ms Lui said she understood it was an important issue.

“This has been longstanding and I know Mayor Leu has been a huge advocate for this issue to see safer waterways in this community for everyone to enjoy," she said.

“I will be working closely with the Douglas Shire, with Mayor Leu, to ensure that this issue is addressed leading into the future.

“I would like to see a positive outcome, and I know by working in partnership with everyone across the board this is something that can be addressed sooner rather than later.”

 

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