Ramping up in Newell Beach

UPDATE

Jeremy Lebeuf

Feature Writer

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Last updated:
The current Newell Beach Boat Ramp. Image: Karlie Brady.

Newell Beach boaties are one step closer to launching, with the new all-tide $3.2m boat ramp set to go out to tender next month with construction projected to be completed by mid-next year.

The long-awaited project has had a few amendments since preliminary design consultation with the Douglas Shire and 40 members of the community who attended in January 2020.

Redevelopments to the concept designs have included a fixed walkway in the middle of the ramp, an upgraded facility that has acceptable flooding impacts, and a fishing platform – these considerations are to ensure a tailored ramp to the needs and wants of the community.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the planning process was well underway with the project expected to go out to tender next month.

“On 18 March 2021, Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) emailed stakeholders with a design proposal. This was followed by a second community meeting on 29 April where stakeholders discussed the revised design and put in a request for a floating fishing platform,” she said.

Following MSQ awarding the contract, further community consultation will take place to discuss the construction phase regarding proposed traffic management, truck movements and the alike to be fed into planning to minimise impacts to residents.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she is glad to see the project progressing and looks forward to seeing the construction phase get underway. She thanks the community for their interest and enthusiasm for this project, and for providing useful feedback which has been carefully listened to and utilised throughout the process.

MSQ will provide ongoing stakeholder updates on the progress of the project.

Key milestones:

  • Concept design sent to stakeholders - June 2021
  • Feedback deadline - July 2021
  • Environmental approvals - late June 2021
  • Tender issued - mid-July 2021 (pending approvals)
  • Contract evaluated and awarded - August-September 2021
  • Community meeting - construction - September-October 2021
  • Onsite works commence late-2021, weather dependent
  • Work completed mid-2022, weather dependent

If you have a question about the project or would like to submit feedback email [email protected].

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