Port of Airlie boat ramp open for Easter in the Whitsundays

The mud’s been cleared away and the surface has been washed down.

Port of Airlie’s long awaited boat ramp is now open to the public temporarily.

The $750,000 boat ramp and car park is yet to be fully completed, but will be opened temporarily to compensate for the closure of the Cannonvale Boat Ramp which is undergoing upgrade works.

"There’s strong demand from boaties in the area and at this time of year it is particularly useful to have this facility," said Mayor Brunker.

"All necessary works have now been completed to temporarily enable the car park area and the boat ramp to be safely used by the community."

"It will be totally completed and handed over later in the year, but it is a great result to get access for the next few months."

Fishing advocate Bob Spees was on site to inspect the temporary ramp and questioned the mayor over a number of concerns.

"Mike, this is great because it’s now ready for the Easter school holidays … but what happens after? Why can’t this stay open while the government is doing the repairs to the Abel Point Marina?

Mayor Brunker said that by the time the Port of Airlie boat ramp was due to close again it was hoped that the Cannonvale boat ramp should be finished.

"There’s no guarantees, but the opening of this facility at least covers the next few months and work will be progressing on Cannonvale in that time," he said.