OVERVIEW
OF BOAT RAMPS SITUATION - NORTH QUEENSLAND.OVERVIEW
OF BOAT RAMPS SITUATION - NORTH QUEENSLAND.
BOWEN TO TULLY AREA By Don Porter (Chairman Boat Ramps Committee)
BOAT RAMPS CONTACTS ADDRESS LIST
SUGGESTED
REMEDIES FOR INVESTIGATED BOAT
RAMPS BOWEN TO TULLY AREA
BACKGROUND:
Because of increasing concerns about the
poor standard of boat ramps and facilities in the area from Bowen to Tully, Sunfish NQ has
carried out site investigations of all ramps, and prepared a detailed report, (copy
attached). The findings show that for many years, few improvements have been made to
many sites, some of which are of extremely poor standard. As well
correspondence and discussions have been arranged with State and Local Government and
relative Departments and Politicians, in an attempt to have the matter satisfactorily
addressed. 
Statistics concerning boat and trailer registrations obtained from Queensland Transport by Sunfish, and published in the Townsville Bulletin last year, were disputed by the Transport Minister, who was quoted as saying, that the figures were wrong and that ramps at National Park and Barramundi creek were to be duplicated during 1998/99, but it is now the period 1999/2000, and to date no such work has been done. Irrespective of which figures are right however, it seems that over the years millions in fees have been paid and not enough returned.
A report and strategic plan was prepared by Queensland Transport in 1987, based on data procured during an investigation of the area from Bowen to Tully in 1986/87. The main focus was in the Townsville area where it was found at the time, that ramps at Ross Creek and National Park were badly overloaded, and should be duplicated on an immediate basis. Parking was inadequate at both sites being less than half of requirements at the time, and toilets and taps were required at both locations. In fact parking has been reduced at Ross creek ramp. Further it was suggested that the Ross Creek Ramps site was destined for cruise ships use, and the developers of the new terminal would have to pay for the ramps to be duplicated at either of two locations, being: Kissing Point and Benwell Road (Ross River Mouth).
It is now over ten years since the report was prepared, and in Townsville all that has been done is:
At peak periods on Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays at the Ross Creek and National Park Ramps, cars and trailers spill over out of parks and onto road shoulders and footpaths. This situation is undesirable not only for safety and traffic reasons, but dissension and argument is frequently occurring at ramps. The overload problem is not confined to Townsville, such scenarios occur at other ramps. There are serious shortcomings and defects with various ramps in the area from Bowen to Tully, including the Townsville area. These ramps suffer from problems such as, poor access roads, inadequate parking, deep mud, dangerous unmarked dropoffs, poor grades, slippery surfaces, no toilets, no water taps, no litter bins, no security lighting. One example, the ramp at Cromarty Creek, is one of the least accessible and worst ramps in the area, although the main access to the Haughton River, a declared recreational fishing system, and good parking is virtually non existent on the site.
Boat owners need these serious matters addressed now, not later. We have been waiting far too long for proper facilities in our areas. It’s not just boat and trailer registrations fees to State Government that are involved, we are also ratepayers and expect some of our rates to be returned into car parks, toilets, water taps and lighting at boat ramps just as they are provided for the rest of the community in parks and like areas.
Further, boat owners need to have some input into the design of the ramps and facilities, in an attempt to overcome the problems that poor location, design and construction is causing. In essence, users not only want more value returned for dollars paid, but the opportunity to have some meaningful input into planning, design, location and construction. After all boat owners are the ones who pay and surely have some right to know how the money is to be spent. The process must be transparent.
RAMPS PROCEDURES:
To put the matter in perspective, the current processes involved in establishing or maintaining ramps and facilities, involve more than just return of our boat and trailer registration fees. Queensland Transport, which receives the fees, places the revenue from boats and trailers in separate Departments, boat fees to the Marine Division and trailer fees to the Main Roads Division. Traditionally boat ramps have been under the control of Queensland Transport Main Roads Division, but about a year ago the responsibility was transferred to the Marine Division. Not much more than half of boat registration fees are returned to the Marine Division for capital or maintenance works on facilities, and none is returned from the Main Roads Division to any areas concerning ramps or access to ramps. In addition the funding provided to the Marine Division is for all marine infrastructure requirements including, navigation devices, marker buoys and the like, not just boat ramps.
Crown owned boat ramps are classified under two different categories as follows:
The established process for construction and maintenance of ramps is mainly through the Local Government, either on it’s own initiative or to follow up requests from:
The responsibility for cleaning sediment from existing crown ramps, and reviewing for any upgrades of facilities lies with the Local Government or Authority, which is the local area manager of the facility.
Each January, the Queensland Transport Marine Division requests local area managers, (Local Governments and Port Authorities), to submit their requirements for boat ramps and facilities for consideration in coming budgets, at both State and Local Government levels. Under the current process, if the local managing authority does not make any submissions or makes an inadequate submission, then our ramps and facilities suffer, and this seems to have been the case in many instances to date. In general terms, leaving the initiative and response to Local Government is a flawed process, and such a practice should be urgently reviewed.
RECENT EVENTS:
There has been positive response from local governments. All Councils contacted, including Townsville and Thuringowa, have offered to discuss matters with Sunfish NQ. In the Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Shires, those Councils have recognised their community needs, by providing good facilities at some ramps in their areas and given commitments to provide more, and subsequent to our discussions with Burdekin Shire Council the Council constructed a toilet at the Cromarty Creek Ramp. These progressive Councils are to be congratulated for their actions.
A recent candid discussion was held at Townsville in August between Queensland Transport Marine Division Staff and Sunfish NQ representatives, at the request of the Marine Division, where an invitation was extended for Sunfish to become directly involved in the processes involved with providing better ramps and facilities, to which Sunfish NQ agreed, the first step to be site inspections of all ramps. Sunfish NQ regards this offer as a positive move, and will follow up on the opportunity by now preparing a detailed list of suggested remedies for each ramp. As well Sunfish NQ will pursue the matter with the various Local Governments in the area to determine past, current and future ramps submissions.
A joint inspection of ramps from Groper Creek to Cromarty Creek has since been carried out by the Marine Division and Sunfish NQ with further inspections of other ramps to be carried out in due course and both parties are currently attempting to establish current priorities and future works. The Cromarty Creek Ramp has been recognised as needing a priority but it is obvious that at this time a strategic plan is needed for the Burdekin area. Positive discussions are also underway concerning parking and toilets at Ross Creek and National Park, as well as a future site for the relocation of Ross Creek Ramps.
Further, advice was received on 4 August 1999, from the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mr Bredhauer, that Queensland Transport Marine Division, has scheduled a number of major boating facilities for 1999/2000 in the Bowen to Tully region, including, Wunjunga, Cungulla, National Park (Railway Estate), Tully Heads and Clump Point, and has arranged for meetings with local managing authorities to progress the regions needs. Other boat launching facilities planned for the area include, Bowen, Barramundi Creek, Kierles Landing, Balgal Beach and Fishers Creek, and a study to identify the processes causing siltation at Cromarty Creek and Mt Low Ramps. Details of the scheduled items have yet to be seen.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is no doubt that various ramps and facilities have suffered, and need urgent attention to bring them up to a reasonable standard. Unfortunately, because of the lack of attention given to ramps and facilities over the last ten years, it will now cost a lot of money and time to totally rectify the matter. This means that while some problems may be solved now, addressing the remaining problems, particularly the major items, will take a couple of years to overcome.
The good news is that for the first time Sunfish NQ has been asked to become involved in the process, and full advantage of the opportunity must be taken.
Although Government is not without fault in this matter, we as boat owners are partly responsible for the situation. Over the last ten to 15 years, when public meetings have been called to discuss boat ramps, attendance has been very poor. This gives our State and Local Government Politicians and relative Departments the message, that ramps are not a serious problem, and their attention and funds are spent elsewhere. Sunfish NQ is doing it’s best, but the support of more boaties/fishos in the community would make a lot of difference, and a good start is for them to let the local MLA and Councillor know about their boating needs, keep Sunfish NQ informed, and attend any meetings called to discuss ramps.
Despite the recent positive discussions and cooperation with Queensland Transport Marine Division, and promises made by the Minister for transport and Main Roads, and a recognition that ramps and facilities need improvement, pressure must be maintained to keep things moving, and it is hoped that more positive action and results will be seen in the near future.
It should not be necessary for Sunfish NQ and boat owners to carry out these actions. There are elected politicians and persons employed by State and Local Government, who are paid full time to plan and provide proper and adequate facilities in return for fees, rates and charges, and the fact that the ramps situation has now reached this stage is a sad indictment on the system. Sunfish NQ has been besieged by boat owners who want a protest rally held on boat ramps but it is preferable to have the matter resolved by sensible discussion with Governments and relevant Departments, and hopefully consultative methods will work. Sunfish NQ would much rather be proactive than reactive.
Boating and fishing are major recreational activities in North Queensland, which involve a large domestic group in the community as well as visitors and there should be proper and adequate facilities to promote such healthy pursuits and economical benefit to the region. Provision of decent facilities would be a popular move all politicians should note.
Don Porter
Chairman Boat Ramps Committee
Sunfish NQ.
1 September, 1999
DETAILS OF INVESTIGATED BOAT RAMPS
BOWEN TO TOWNSVILLE AREA
Prepared 25 July, 1999
Code: Public ramp listed in tide book (L)
Public ramp not listed in tide book (U)
RAMP |
DETAILS |
| Ross Creek (L) (Townsville area)
|
Two concrete ramps 1x4 lane and 1x3 lane - abrupt drop off - no warning signs – very slippery surface - poor traction for vehicles and several lost in water – no landing beach but small pontoon nearby with limited access - good protection and safe launching all weather. Identified in DOT strategic plan in 1987 as requiring immediate duplication to overcome severe shortfalls in launching and facilities but nothing done to now over ten years later. (previously assessed by commerce and Government as too valuable for current use and designated for future development as cruise ship berth and facilities – which suggests that until a new ramp is provided elsewhere by the developers nothing will be done to the existing ramp ) Bitumen access road which passes through the city centre an undesirable route for traffic and practical reasons. Inadequate hard standing parking area for about 100 vehicles and trailers – about 60% bitumen remainder gravel and boggy surface - during peak periods cars and trailers spill over onto footpaths and road shoulders for some distance away – this situation causes safety and traffic problems in a busy area at town centre on the only access road to the casino and entertainment area both of which demand heavy traffic and parking requirements - spaces in ramp park are commonly used by non boat owners cars visiting casino etc. – the original ramp parking area has been drastically reduced over recent years during construction of the casino and entertainment centre – current parking area less than half of current need – reasonable security lighting but still some thefts from vehicles and trailers. No toilets or drinking water provided – the ramp is extensively used not only by locals but also visiting anglers/tourists and the lack of toilets and taps is shameful considering the shopfront location of the site and the needs of ramp users. Bins provided |
Ross River (L) (National Park) (Townsville area) |
Two lanes concrete ramp– generally clean and launching available most tides – deeply corrugated surface causing difficulties with walking on surface and severe bumping around of trailers (particularly when empty) and cars – very difficult to use as two lanes because of steerage problems caused by uneven surface – no landing beach – about one kilometre of slow travel from ramp to open speed area through narrow water way and many permanently moored craft - good protection and safe launching all weather. Identified in DOT strategic plan in 1987 as requiring immediate duplication to overcome severe shortfalls in launching and facilities but only work done over ten years later is as shown in parking below. (Scheduled for duplication in 1998/99 but not done as yet). Bitumen access road. Inadequate hard standing parking area - during peak periods cars and trailers spill over onto footpaths and road shoulders for some distance away – this situation causes safety and traffic problems – current parking area less than half of current need - some security lighting and frequent thefts from cars and trailers – car park reconstructed in last two years but only accommodates 50 vehicles and trailers and considerable space taken up by large useless landscaped area in centre of park which uses area equivalent to about 20 more spaces – the car park development seems designed to suit 1987 requirements not current needs. Remote and badly presented toilets 200 metres from ramp in hardly used parkland - drinking fountain provided near ramp but no taps. Bin Provided |
Pallarenda (L) (Townsville area) |
Flexible two lanes concrete blocks ramp - No protection from weather - unusable at low tides and in other than calm conditions Bitumen access road Sufficient parking for minimum users – low security lighting Remote toilets and drinking water 100 metres from ramp provided No bin provided
|
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Magnetic Island (L) (Townsville area) |
No site inspections taken or questionnaires returned. |
Mt Low (Bohle River) (L) (Thuringowa area) |
Single lane concrete keyhole ramp –- Extremely muddy most of time to minimum of knee deep - at less than ½ tide launching unsafe from slippery surface and sharp objects in mud - not possible to launch at low tides - narrow and shallow creek - considerable wash - no speed signs - Good protection and safe launching all weather. Bitumen access road except for last kilometre Adequate hard standing parking spaces except on peak periods when cars spill onto road shoulders - considerable theft from cars and trailers - poor security lighting. No toilets or drinking water provided Bin provided |
Saunders Beach (Althaus Ck) (L) (Thuringowa area) |
Recessed
single lane concrete ramp
bottom section grade too flat
constant mud problem for users half tide or less unusable at very
low tides - end of ramp out of water 300 mm good protection and safe
launching all weather - nil access to sea on low tides no concrete
walkway along sides of ramp deep mud at sides near bottom of ramp
causes congestion only one user at ramp eat a time holding boat at
sides not feasable no light over head of ramp for night use and
shoulders of ramp difficult to see when backing Formed
300 metres gravel access road from bitumen to main road Formed
dirt surface parking area for about ten car/trailer units - boggy after
rain no security lighting frequent
vehicle and trailer theft No
toilets or drinking water provided
No bin provided |
Bluewater (Althaus Ck) (L) (Thuringowa area)
|
Single
lane concrete ramp ramp
grade too steep potentially dangerous for cars/trailers/occupants
constant use of rocks etc as chocks to prevent cars rolling back
safety further threatened by loose
gravel always on ramp from skidding wheels when accelerating from ramp to
ensure safe exit No access to boats except from ramp because of high
sides to ramp area - causes congestion only one user at ramp eat a
time holding boat at sides not feasable no light over head of ramp
for night use and shoulders of ramp difficult to see when backing end
of ramp out of water at low tides
nil access to sea on low tides unusable at very low tides (Note: On same creek Opp Saunders Ramp). good protection and safe launching all weather. Unformed
dirt parking area boggy after rain no security lighting frequent
theft from vehicles and trailers Formed
to rough one kilometre of dirt access road from main bitumen road No toilets or drinking water providedNo bin provided |
Purono
Parkway
(Althus
Ck/Deep Ck) (Thuringowa Area) |
Partly recessed single lane concrete ramp with minimal mud end
of ramp out of water at low tides - good protection and safe
launching all weather - nil access to sea on low
tides no concrete walkway along sides of ramp deep mud at
sides near bottom of ramp causes congestion only one user at
ramp eat a time holding boat at sides not feasable no light
over head of ramp for night use and shoulders of ramp difficult to see
when backing Formed dirt surface parking area for about ten car/trailer units - boggy
after rain no security lighting frequent
vehicle and trailer theft Unsealed
access road Limited signage No
toilets or drinking water provided
No bin provided |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Balgal (Rollinstone Ck) (L) (Thuringowa area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – nil access to sea on low tides – protected and safe launching all weather Formed bitumen access road Formed dirt surface parking area but not sufficient spaces at peak periods - some theft from vehicles and trailers – limited security lighting Toilets and drinking water provided Bin provided |
Cromarty (L) (Burdekin area)
|
Single lane concrete keyhole ramp - most of the time up to thigh deep at less than full tide – unsafe from slippery surface and sharp objects in the mud – difficult to launch at less than 2 metres tide and not possible to safely launch at low tides – abrupt drop - off no warning signs - good protection and safe launching all weather Some persons using adjacent out moded but unsafe ramp to avoid slippery deep mud (Note: Both ramps pose extreme safety hazard) Formed 2 km dirt and gravel road subject to severe corrugations and boggy conditions Insufficient and poor parking - Small surface area of imported gravel and remaining section salt pan and mud about 20 vehicles maximum – boggy conditions after rain and high tides – some thefts from cars and trailers - no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided Note: Composting toilet installed by Burdekin SC since investigation began. Bin provided NB This ramp is the main access to the Haughton River which some years ago was gazetted a recreational only fishing area yet the ramp is the most defective and least accessible for recreational anglers.
|
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Barramundi
Creek (L)
|
Single lane concrete ramp – minor mud problem – too flat a grade which causes launching problems particularly for larger boats – extremely rough concrete surface along sides and dangerous during a fall. Formed dirt and gravel access road – frequent corrugations and boggy conditions Unformed dirt surface parking area for about 20 vehicles – boggy after rain – insufficient and poor parking facilities – frequent thefts from vehicles and trailers – no security lighting - constant fire hazard to vehicles from high dead grass around parking area No toilets or drinking water provided Bin provided |
Barrattas Creek (Lochinvar) (L) (Burdekin area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – good protection from weather Formed dirt and gravel access road – frequent corrugations – several creek crossings – limited access and/or boggy in wet conditions Dirt surface with insufficient parking – boggy after rain – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
Barrattas Creek (Jerona) (U) (Burdekin area) |
Single lane concrete blocks ramp – good protection from weather Formed dirt surface access road rough and/or corrugated – access problem after rain Dirt surface insufficient area – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Plantation Creek (L) (Burdekin area)
|
Single lane concrete ramp– good
protection from weather-no access to sea at low tides Formed dirt surface access road with frequent potholes – boggy after rain Dirt surface parking for about 25 vehicles – boggy after rain and high tides – no security lighting Toilets provided Low pressure drinking tap provided from rain water tank Bin provided |
Ocean Creek (L) (Burdekin area) |
Two
lanes concrete ramp -good protection
from weather nil access at
low tides deep drop off at toe of ramp Formed dirt access road - slippery to rough - dangerous when wet Dirt and salt pan parking area for about 20 vehicles – boggy when wet – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bins provided |
Phillips Creek (U) (Burdekin area) |
Formed gravel single lane ramp - good
protection from weather nil access to sea on any tides Formed dirt and gravel access road – frequently corrugated – boggy after rain Dirt and gravel parking area for about 10 vehicles – potholed and boggy after rain - no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Hell Hole (Rita Island) (L) (Burdekin area)
|
Two lanes concrete ramp
reduced access on low tides
nil access to sea on low tides Formed dirt and gravel access road – slippery and dangerous when wet – potholed and boggy when wet Dirt and salt pan surface parking area for about 20 to 30 vehicles– edges under water high tides and boggy when wet – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
|
Wallace Landing (L) (Yellow Gin Ck) (Burdekin area)
|
Two lanes concrete ramp Salt pan surface parking area for about 20 vehicles – boggy after tides and rain – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bins provided |
|
Groper Creek (L) (Burdekin area)
|
Two single lane concrete ramps either side of jetty Formed bitumen road – last 300 metres dirt surface Natural grassed surface parking area – no security lighting Toilets available for fee to caravan park Drinking and bore water available No bin provided. |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Kierles
Landing
|
Single lane sand and silt ramp - limited to 4 WD vehicles at low tides and when wet Formed bitumen access road – last 300 metres dirt – potholed and muddy and boggy when wet Natural dirt surface parking area – some cleared grass – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
|
Molongle Beach (Gumlu) (L)
|
Four
lanes concrete ramp protected from most winds - queuing beach - limited
acess to sea on low tides - Formed bitumen access road – last 200 metres dirt Dirt and salt pan surface parking area – wet and boggy on high tides – no security lighting Toilets maintained privately Water tap supplied privately No bins provided |
|
Elliot River (Guthalungra) (U) (Bowen area) |
Crude creek bank ramp Formed dirt access road – corrugated and poor condition Natural sand and dirt parking area – wet on high tides and after rain – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Taylors Beach (L) (Hinchinbrook area) |
Two lanes concrete ramp – protected and safe launching in all weather access to water at low tides limited to small boats queuing beach next to ramp Bitumen access road to parking area Parking area formed dirt surface – adequate spaces most periods – insufficient security lighting and some thefts from cars and trailers Toilets provided within 50 metres of parking– good clean condition Water
tap and hose provided at wash down area near ramp Bin provided |
|
Forrest Beach (L) (Hinchinbrook area) |
Single lane concrete ramp on beach – unsafe and inaccessible to launch in other than calm weather – dries out low tide and nil access to water Bitumen access road to parking area Formed bitumen surface parking area sufficient spaces security lighting in place Toilets and drinking water provided - good clean condition Bin provided |
|
Dungeness Channel (L) (Hinchinbrook area) |
Three
lanes concrete ramp protected and safe launching all weather
conditions jetty and pontoon
near ramp silting at foot of ramp and Dungeness Channel reducing
access at low tide Formed bitumen access road to ramp
Part
formed bitumen surface parking area - remaining major parking area natural
surface sufficient spaces some security lighting some theft
from vehicles and trailers Toilets and showers
provided - good clean condition Water
tap and hose provided at wash down area near ramp Bin provided
|
|
Cassady Creek (U) (Hinchinbrook Area)
|
New single lane concrete ramp dries out at low tide Natural surface access road and parking area - Water
tap provided No bin or toilets at this time |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Fishers Creek (U) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – nil access to water on less than 1.5 metre tide – ramp grade too flat for ease of launching – concrete badly decomposed – steel reinforcing sticks out – safety hazard Formed 50 metres dirt access road from bitumen main road – accessible all weather Formed to natural parking area large enough for most uses – no security lighting – frequent theft from vehicles and trailers Single toilet No drinking water provided No bin provided (Note: This ramp is a critical all weather safe launching location to the Hinchinbrook Channel At time of report advice received of caretakers hut, ramp repairs, toilets, lighting and parking promised). |
Meunga Creek (L) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – almost constant mud particularly at ½ tide or less – slippery for persons and vehicles - nil access to water and sea on low tides Formed one kilometre of gravel road from bitumen main road Semi formed to natural dirt surface parking area with insufficient spaces at peak periods – no security lighting and frequent thefts from vehicles and trailers No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided Note: Meunga Creek is declared as recreational fishing only but ramp facilities poor. |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Sheridan Street (L) (Cardwell area on Beach front) |
Two single lane concrete boat ramps – too flat a grade at ends - nil access to sea in other than calm weather and less than 1.5 metres low tide – severe erosion of beach areas around ramps Formed access direct off bitumen main road Unformed dirt surface parking area along side of main road – adequate parking area at peak periods – limited security lighting and some thefts from vehicles and trailers Toilets and drinking water provided Bin provided |
Oyster Point (U) (N’th end Hinchinbrook Channel) (Cardwell area) |
Two lanes concrete ramp pontoon available for passengers - protected and safe launching all weather safe access to sea and channel not available in rough weather though light over head of ramp Note: Additional two
lanes adjoining ramp yet to be completed at later date Formed 50
metres dirt access off bitumen main road care
needed leaving and entering main road - (alternate route via bitumen roads
through resort complex better and safer option) Formed
bitumen surface parking area adequate parking normal periods (should be
monitored and parking extended if needed) no security lighting and some
thefts from vehicles and trailers Toilets and showers provided good conditionBin provided (Note:
At time of report security lighting being considered by Cardwell shire
Council)
|
Murray River (U) (Bluff Ck/Euramo) (Cardwell area) |
Formed crude clay ramp – quite steep and slippery -worse after rain – sudden drop at end no warning sign – nil access at low tides – dangerous facility in crocodile infested river – protected and safe launching all weather Formed two kilometres of dirt road off bitumen main road - limited access after rain – 4 wheel drive access only after rain Unformed dirt surface parking area with limited spaces – occasional thefts from vehicles and trailers – no security lighting No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
|
TULLY
RIVER (U) (Cardwell
area) |
This
ramp was washed away by a flood and has not been reconstructed There
is no access into the TULLY RIVER and the following items previously in
place need to be reestablished. 1.
Concrete
ramp 2.
Parking
needed 3.
Light
over parking area 4.
Light
over ramp 5.
Toilet
and drinking facilities 6.
Rubbish
bin needed |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
Murray River (U) (Bedford Ck/Euramo) (Cardwell area) |
Crude ramp cut into creek bank suitable high tides only - just suitable small boats – protected and safe launching all weather Crudely formed 1km dirt access road – easily boggy – 4WD access most of time Natural dirt surface parking area boggy at times particularly after rain – occasional thefts from cars and trailers – no security lighting - adequate spaces No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
Hull River (River mouth) (L) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – Nil access to water and sea in poor weather and low tides - protected and safe launching all weather - constant sand build up at base of ramp and in general manoeuvering area Formed short dirt surface access road off bitumen main road Formed dirt parking area – adequate spaces good surface – no security lighting and some thefts from cars and trailers Toilets and drinking water provided Bin provided |
Hull River N’th (L) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – protected and safe launching all weather Formed dirt surface access road off bitumen main road – frequently boggy – 4WD only access after rain Natural dirt surface parking area – adequate spaces – no lighting - some theft from cars and trailers No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
|
ALO
VERA FARM (U) (South
Hull River) (Cardwell
area) |
Single
lane rough concrete ramp inaccessible low tides protected and
safe launching all weather in
poor state and needs reconstruction. Insufficient
parking area Rough
access road No toilets or
water tap No
bin provided THIS
RAMP IS VERY POPULAR WITH
LOCALS. |
RAMP |
DETAILS |
South Mission Beach (L) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete and rock ramp – grade too flat – useable only in calm weather conditions – several boats sunk – not useable at low tides Bitumen access road Formed natural dirt surface parking area – insufficient spaces particularly peak periods – no security lighting and some thefts from cars and trailers Toilets and drinking water provided – toilets about 500 metres from ramp seldom clean and in poor condition Bin provided |
Clump Point (L) (Cardwell area) |
Single lane concrete ramp – concrete surface in poor condition particularly at base where damaged by barge - useable only in calm weather conditions – particularly dangerous with northerly sea - large nearby unmarked submerged rock has caused boats damage Single 1 km dirt surface access road – no passing room one way only Natural dirt surface parking area – not close to ramp – much parking near ramp for convenience causing retrieval problems limited spaces particularly during peak periods - no security lighting – frequent thefts from cars and trailers No toilets or drinking water provided No bin provided |
NOTE: The above details were gathered by on site inspection by the author and other members of Sunfish NQ, and also from information provided by others who volunteered the information.
The information is as accurate as can be determined at the time of compiling the report, which will be updated as further data is made available.
It is recognised that there may be some improvements made to some ramps and/or facilities since the compilation of the report, and any such improvements will be included in subsequent reports.
…………….
Don Porter
Chairman Boat Ramps Committee
Sunfish NQ Inc.
