Whitsunday's feasibility study reels in

After reading through 100 pages of a copy of the feasibility study for the proposed rockwall at the VMR, passionate boat ramp advocate Greg France is more than happy with the outcome.

Despite the long wait for the study into the project, which will improve local boating facilities, Mr France said the study detailed what his committee had proposed all along.

"Running over 100 pages it presents a detailed study of historical wave, wind, and cyclonic patterns since 1959," Mr France said.

"It’s all very in depth and interesting but particularly pleasing in that it doesn’t list any real constraints against building what we’ve proposed all along," he said.

"In its conclusion it then recommends an ‘L shape’ roockwall (that originates to the right of the existing ramp and then goes out 100m then turns left for 75m) that protrudes into the sea.

"Additionally it recommends that the existing ramp be extended by some eight metres in length."

The report came at a good time with the boat ramp committee meeting with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson at Community Cabinet on Sunday.

"The government and he are very aware of our need for this project to be completed and they understand and agree with the plan," Mr France said.

"The minister was also aware of the progress of the completed report and feasibility study and stated that now since that is complete, that the ball has returned to Whitsunday Regional Council to make a submission to the Queensland Government to get it funded."

Council's Mayor Jennifer Whitney said that she was very pleased to receive the feasibility study for the VMR Boat Ramp last Friday in time for the Community Cabinet.

"I am quietly confident that we will achieve a good result," Mayor Whitney said.

"The State Government, council and the boating community can work together to get the desired result," she said.

Mr France said it is quite a relief to see some good developments in the last few weeks.

"We anticipate we’ll have to wait until the Queensland Government State Budget is delivered in October. We only need to lever $4.5m
(estimated cost) to achieve the VMR plans."

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.