Poona boat ramp

The Fraser Coast Regional Council will work with the State Department of Transport and Main Roads to bring all relevant state agencies together to consider the suitability of a new boat ramp location in Poona.

A recently completed feasibility study funded by the department and Council indicates that issues surrounding land ownership, government consent and statutory approvals need to be addressed for the project to move forward.

“Once the state agencies provide feedback to the proposal, Council and the department can then consider the next step,” Cr Daniel Sanderson said.

The construction of a new boat ramp would only proceed as a joint project involving Council funding the land-based facilities such as car park and rigging area, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads funding the water-based facilities (boat ramp and walkway).

Concept designs for a ramp and car park, prepared in consultation with the Poona community, indicate the new facility would cost approximately $4.1 million (boat ramp and floating walkway - $2,6m; carpark and access road $1.5m).

A new boat ramp at Poona Creek was identified as a top priority in the Queensland Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study 2017, conducted by the state government.

That study recommended boating facilities in Poona be upgraded to a two-lane ramp with 45 car trailer unit (CTU) spaces, including floating walkway to improve accessibility and meet demand, based on local boat registrations.

Community consultation during the latest Council-TMR feasibility study included the Poona Progress Association and call for public submissions.

The project was also discussed during the development of the Poona Community Infrastructure Plan.