Right ramp but wrong spot, angry locals say
A YORKEYS Knob residents group has called for state government transparency over a mystery “mega” boat ramp proposed for Half Moon Bay.
The proposed six-lane ramp has raised the ire of affected businesses and residents who have formed the Yorkeys Knob Boat Ramp Action Group (YKBRAG).
They want more information about the project from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
YKBRAG secretary Marilyn Wallace said the ramp would clog streets already congested with buses and local traffic.
“We are happy to have boat ramps, but what we are objecting to is the location at Yorkeys when other sites could have been chosen,” she said.
The ramp is proposed to be built between the Half Moon Bay Golf Club and the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club.
Ms Wallace – who grew up with boats and has one moored at the marina – said the site was exposed and unprotected from the elements.
“It will be a rough ramp,” she said.
“Boaties aren’t going to like it.”
Neither the boat club nor golf club are enthusiastic about the project.
“The golf club is against it 100 per cent,” general manager Greg Ferry said.
“It is opposed by the golf PETE MARTINELLI For: TMR states a survey “identified an urgent need for additional boat ramps on the northern side of Cairns.” Against: Boaties say it will affect traffic and the environment Have your say: email YKBRAG at ykbrag@gmail.com club, by residents and by the boat club.”
He said TMR had arranged to discuss a concept plan for the ramp three weeks ago, but the planned meeting fell through.
“No one has gotten back to us; how could they have come up with a concept plan without speaking with the stakeholders?”
A spokesman for the department said a reference group researched options for the site for six months in 2016.
The TMR website states that “investigations into alternative sites continue”.
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