Yorkeys Knob boat ramp set to be complete early 2023
It was the subject of a fierce and prolonged battle over many years, but work on this $22m project is now well under way. SEE THE VIDEO
Cairns
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THE $22.4m Yorkeys Knob Boat Ramp is set for completion in early 2023 but not everyone is happy about it.
Yorkeys Knob Residents Association president Adrian Gover said protected mangroves at the mouth of Moon Creek were being removed.
“It seems that in Cairns, such destruction is valid if it is conducted by our government,” Mr Gover said.
The project has caused much community angst over several years with many raising concerns, but approval was granted in late 2020.
Cairns and FNQ Fishing Group has lobbied strongly for the project.
A petition signed by 1837 people against the ramp failed to sway Transport Minister Mark Bailey in 2019.
Half Moon Bay Golf Club was against the project.
But a state government study found players at the nearby Half Moon Bay Golf Club should not pose a danger to users of the proposed ramp and the development should not cause issues for golfers.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said work was progressing well, although there had been rock armour supply delays.
He said 12 piles from a total of 17 for the floating walkway had been installed and fabrication of the floating walkways was under way.
“The boat ramp construction is underway, and the breakwaters are continuing to be built, the access road culvert works have started and the car trailer park reclamation area is due to be completed this month,” Mr Crawford said.
The project was announced in 2017 and the new facility will comprise a six-lane boat ramp, three floating walkways and two breakwaters.
On shore facilities include 135 car-trailer parks, 63 standard car parks, six disabled parking spaces and a new toilet block.
The project is jointly funded by the state government and Cairns Regional Council and has created 40 jobs.
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Originally published as Yorkeys Knob boat ramp set to be complete early 2023
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