Clump Point boating facility at Mission Beach needs expansion for commercial users

TMR has turned down any suggestion the Clump Point boating facility does not meet demand, while making a huge call on its potential for future upgrades. Read the explanation

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY:

THE Department of Transport and Main Roads has turned down any suggestion the Clump Point boating facility does not meet demand, while making a major call on its potential for future upgrades.

Maritime Safety Queensland, a TMR agency, general manager Kell Dillon ruled out further updates to the facility which was scrutinised for the design of its pens, floating walkways and lack of access to fuel and power.

“We do not plan for further updates as the facility was designed to meet current and future commercial vessel demand,” Mr Dillon said.

“Suggestions the facility does not meet current demand have no basis in fact.

“Our officers are aware at least one potential berth holder wants floating marina fingers behind the breakwater rather than the pen berths. Such a feature would be extensively damaged during cyclones, which is why the pen berth design was chosen during extensive stakeholder consultation during planning.”

He said pen berths were a common berthing option for hundreds of commercial operators throughout Queensland.

“While they may be less preferred than floating marina fingers, they are an effective mooring system.”

Mr Dillon said the facility’s location within world heritage rainforest, next to Great Barrier Reef sensitive habitats, and cultural heritage artefacts prohibited future expansion.

“It was agreed between community stakeholders and approval authorities (including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) that the proposed development was the full extent of development that could be supported by the site, largely because there is no potential to expand land based infrastructure to support an increase in marine infrastructure.

“So no expansion is proposed and none is likely to be supported by environmental approval authorities.”

EARLIER: A DESIGN flaw of Mission Beach’s latest marine infrastructure is “hindering” the rebirth of a daytrip and tour experience industry despite Cairns-based operators showing interest in relocating south following Dunk Island’s sale.

The Clump Point boating facility, which features, two floating walkways as well as commercial docking options including five pen berths and six swing moorings was completed in November 2020.

While its design was questioned at the time of opening, there were no complaints from recreational users, who were the primary beneficiaries.

However, following recent investment into the upgrade of multiple Mission Beach resorts and the sale of Dunk Island, the town is experiencing interest from new marine tour operators wishing to dock at Clump Point, bringing the design back into the spotlight.

Cassowary Coast Tourism executive officer Patrick Bluett said the current design of the facility was “hindering the process” for new operators looking to service Mission Beach.

He said the commercial demand “really has outgrown the facility”.

“We’ve been speaking with a couple of operators who are looking to relocate from Cairns, and I believe they’ve just met with council. But the council doesn’t own the facility, TMR does and so the next process really would be for those operators, maybe a local boating association to work with politicians and get some money for TMR to do some upgrades.”

Mr Bluett said some of the concerns listed, besides the limited availability of commercial berths, was that there was no power, no fuel and the difficult access from boat to jetty.

Cassowary Coast Division 1 councillor Barry Barnes confirmed there had been meetings with prospective operators.

“I wouldn’t say they’re in heavy negotiations with council,” Cr Barnes said.

Cr Barnes said the council’s first priority was to advance its local laws amendments, that would allow the council more control over which boats used the facility and allow the council to earn revenue, after stating the facility had generated no income since it opened in 2020.

When asked if he was confident the facility could host new operators as is, Cr Barnes said there was an appetite to return Mission Beach’s commercial offerings to levels prior to Cyclone Yasi, but there were no plans “in the near future” to lobby for any upgrades.

Long term Mission Beach operator, Hooked Up Fishing Adventure’s Alister Pike said he turned down an offer to dock at the facility.

“Those pens, let’s not call them pens, they’re bays and they’re not workable. Effectively it’s a very complex operation to try and tie your vessel up safely in these little lots,” he said

TMR has been contacted for comment on the design and the potential for any upgrades.

Originally published as Clump Point boating facility at Mission Beach needs expansion for commercial users