Mary River pontoon upgrades underway

Construction commences next week on a new pontoon and gangway on the Mary River near the Wide Bay Rowing Club, delivering improved accessibility, safety, and flood resilience for local rowers.

The project is funded through the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – Recreation and Community Assets Funding Program.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the Australian Government is committed to supporting regional communities through long-term recovery.

“This new pontoon is a practical investment that will make a real difference to local rowers and the broader Maryborough community,” Minister McAllister said.

“We’re working closely with the Queensland Government and the Fraser Coast Regional Council to deliver infrastructure that’s safer, stronger and built to last.

“Recovery takes time, but we’re here for the long haul to help communities rebuild in a way that prepares them for the future.”

Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the DRFA allowed all three tiers of government to work together, strengthening Queensland after severe weather events.

“Through our investments we want to not only help communities rebuild following disasters but improve overall resilience and lifestyle,” Minister Leahy said.

“Public recreation assets offer long-lasting value, and I’m proud we’re delivering these pontoon upgrades for Maryborough and the Wide Bay.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the new infrastructure would replace a temporary pontoon installed after the 2022 floods, which had damaged the original structure beyond repair.

“Since the 2022 floods, a temporary pontoon has been used by the Wide Bay Rowing Club for training, including school rowing activities for larger quad boats,” he said.

“This $1.855 million project will deliver a purpose-built pontoon and gangway system designed to better withstand flooding, with built-in resilience features and a release mechanism to help minimise damage during major flood events.

“Rowing has a proud history in Maryborough dating back to 1881, and the Wide Bay Rowing Club continues to play an important role in the community today—especially through its strong partnership with Maryborough State High School, which is helping develop the next generation of rowers.”

Cr Paul Truscott, who has been assisting the Wide Bay Rowing Club in ongoing discussions with Council, said the club was very pleased with the ‘build back better’ approach being taken.

“This new purpose-built pontoon, funded through disaster recovery funds, will not only improve flood resilience but also allow one of Queensland’s oldest rowing clubs to expand its programs into the future,” he said.

Cr Daniel Sanderson said: “It’s great to see this much-loved and vital community infrastructure being reinstated.”

Construction works are scheduled to start on Monday 12 May and will include:

• Clearing vegetation and removing existing structures to prepare the site;
• Installation of the pontoon, gangway and headstock, including pile installations; and
• Restoring and turfing disturbed areas upon project completion.

An exclusion zone will be in place during the works to ensure public safety, with construction expected to be completed by the end of August 2025, weather permitting.