New ramp for boaties

AFTER eight years of planning, construction of the Kalkie Boat Ramp has finally begun.

Olimar contractors’ Ray Wyatt starting work on the Kalkie boat ramp.

AFTER eight years of planning, construction of the Kalkie Boat Ramp has finally begun.

The project, which is expected to be completed by September, is being constructed with funding provided by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Division councillor Danny Rowleson said he was thrilled to see the project come to life.

“The need for this ramp has been here for eight years,” Cr Rowleson said.

The councillor said the ramp, which is being built at Kirby's Wall, had caused a splash among local fishermen.

“All the boaties I talk to are so positive because they will no longer need to go to Burnett Heads, where there is already an overabundance of people using the ramp,” he said.

“There are extremely large numbers of fishermen in the region.”

Cr Rowleson said the ramp would reduce the number of towing vehicles travelling in the city.

“This will help with traffic management because people won't need to tow their boats through town to get to the ramp on the north side,” he said.

Improvements to the roads leading to the new boat ramp will also be considered.

“We will be looking to upgrade Kirby and McGills roads, which provide access to the ramp,” Cr Rowleson said.

“It will definitely be a matter for consideration in future council budgets.”

Cr Rowleson said boaties would not be the only ones to benefit from the ramp.

“Because the ramp is not wind blown and impacted by tidal movements, it will be a great place for kayaks to get under way safely,” he said.

Originally published as New ramp for boaties