Country Liberal Party reveals Plan for Better Boat Ramps ahead of NT election

The opposition has declared boat ramps across the Territory will be made safer under a Country Liberal Party government, with two prime fishing locations name-dropped for an upgrade.

CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro with deputy leader Gerard Maley at East Arm.

The Country Liberal Party is promising to deliver safer boat ramps across the Territory, pledging to upgrade two prime Top End fishing spots if elected.

On Thursday, the CLP announced its Plan for Better Boat Ramps would start with an initial $500,000 spent on a floating pontoon at the Corroboree Billabong and a rockwall at East Arm to ensure safety and ease-of-access for Territorian fishers.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said safety was at the heart of the idea.

“We know at Corroboree that Territorians and tourists are having to get into the water to be able to get on the boat and launch,” she said.

“This is clearly a safety concern for tourists and locals alike, and that’s why we’ve committed to making sure that (we build) an extra Corroboree floating pontoon so that people can safely access (that location) and ensure more people will be getting out in our beautiful waterways.”

CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro with deputy leader Gerard Maley at East Arm.

CLP deputy leader Gerard Maley said a rock wall on East Arm would provide protection to fishers.

“We’ve listened to fishos who say more shelter is needed at East Arm boat ramp – a rock wall will provide protection from the wind when launching and retrieving boats, it will also double as a land-based fishing opportunity with the top of the wall to be capped,” he said.

“Not everyone has a boat so this will mean even more Territorians can cast a line where there is great fishing and enjoy our fantastic lifestyle.”

Ms Finocchiaro said the final figure to complete the projects would cost around $2 million, with the initial $500,000 for “initial scoping” and “design work”.

The CLP have pledged to upgrade boat ramps across the Territory, including at Corroboree Billabong. Picture: Supplied.

Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden said the CLP would “say anything” and maintained the government’s $17.2 million allocated to recreational fishing in its 2024 Budget would deliver better infrastructure.

“Consultation with the community has just closed this week on a new fishing jetty at Dudley Point within East Point Reserve to provide safe land-based fishing opportunities for families, as well as deeper water over a greater tidal range for all fishers,” he said.

“A design by MLEI Consulting Engineers was awarded in late 2023 for disability access ramps at Shady Camp, Dinah Beach and Corroboree boat ramps.”

Mr Bowden said the CLP could not be trusted on the issue and said improvements specifically to the Corroboree were being addressed.

“The Lawler team is also undertaking works to upgrade and seal 2.6 kilometres of the Corroboree Billabong access road from the end of the existing seal up to the cattle grid,” he said.

“This project supports the government’s commitment to improve recreational fishing infrastructure in the Territory.”

Originally published as Country Liberal Party reveals Plan for Better Boat Ramps ahead of NT election