Parliament to debate Coffs Harbour boat ramp petition

IT'S been a hot topic for a number of years and not only will it be locals and users debating the Coffs Harbour boat ramp but Parliament too.

SAFETY FIRST: Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp Precinct Enhancement Committee presented a petition to make the boat ramp Safer to Andrew Fraser. Picture: Trevor Veale

IT'S been a hot topic for a number of years and not only will it be locals and boaties debating the improvements needed to the Coffs Harbour boat ramp but State Parliament as well now. 

Last month, the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp Precinct Enhancement Committee handed a petition with 12,222 signatures to enhance the ramp to Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser.

Mr Fraser delivered the petition to the NSW Parliament and the matter is due to be debated in the house on Thursday, October 18 at 4.30pm.

"Mr Fraser will lead that debate and hopefully there will be others who will speak strongly in support of our vision," committee chairman John Lawler said.

The committee is continuing to be active in gaining momentum for changes to the boat ramp and are regularly meeting with senior staff from Coffs Harbour City Council and representatives from the newly formed Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office.

"Our work has led to announcements that in the vicinity of $100,000 will be spent upgrading lighting, electronic signage at the ramp, displaying weather conditions and other safety information, in addition to the installation of CCTV coverage of the boat ramp and parking areas," Mr Lawler said.

He said the committee's final report is currently being drafted and will need to be delivered to Council staff by mid November.

"With the delivery of the report, the committee will have met its commitments to the first stage of the project.

"The committee will be looking to have an advisory and engagement role in the future, to ensure that the enhancements required within the precinct, finally become a reality," Mr Lawler said.

Watch the debate live here.