Victor, Murray Creek boat ramp upgrades in Mackay region delayed

One of the region’s busiest boat ramps was on the hook for a $2.1m upgrade to add a new lane and pontoon and another was to get more car parks but now works to both are delayed. Here’s why.

Russell Waugh was at Victor Creek Boat Ramp getting ready to head out for a afternoon fish.

Upgrades to two of the Mackay region’s most popular boat ramps have hit a snag.

The Victor Creek boat ramp, at the end of Seaforth Port Newry Rd, was in line for an extra ramp lane as well as another floating walkway to create more space for launching and retrieving vessels, a project with a $2.18 million price tag.

Slightly further north at Mt Pelion, there were more car parks planned at the Murray Creek boat ramp.

But approvals for both projects were recently extended for two years.

MRC’s Infrastructure and Operations director Jason Devitt said the works were always subject to funding for the full cost from Maritime Safety Queensland.

“As no forward works program is available for when such funding may be received, the current development approvals for the projects have been extended,” Mr Devitt said.

“The extensions are in line with an estimated timeframe of when funding may be available.

“However, as the DA decision notice period nears, this may need to be extended again if funding from MSQ is not available.”

The Victor Creek boat ramp at Seaforth. Picture: Maritime Safety Queensland

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said MSQ prioritised the next five to 10 years of marine infrastructure upgrades, “subject to funding availability”, via a detailed process involving extensive consultation with local governments, state government departments and port authorities.

“The Victor Creek existing facility had been identified as a potential future priority project for the Mackay area by MSQ, however, the project remains an unfunded capital works proposal for future consideration by both MSQ and Mackay LGA,” the spokesman said.

The Murray Creek boat ramp at Mount Pelion. Picture: Maritime Safety Queensland

“Murray Creek has been subjected to a parking upgrade by council but it’s been determined that demand is being adequately met in the region by other facilities, so the upgrade is now considered a lesser priority than other similar projects in the state.

“This facility will be monitored and scheduled for further upgrades when both demand and funding allows.”

There are 37 lanes across 24 boat ramps within the Mackay region but a MSQ study released in 2023 revealed there was a shortfall of nine lanes.

The Victor Creek boat ramp, in terms of car and trailer parks, is the second largest in the Mackay region, only trailing behind the boat ramp along Mulherin Dr at Mackay Harbour which has 98 dedicated car and trailer parks.

Originally published as Victor, Murray Creek boat ramp upgrades in Mackay region delayed