Yorkeys Knob locals ramp up opposition
THE association representing residents of Yorkeys Knob has decided to oppose the State Government’s plans for a major boat ramp in the beach suburb.
The Yorkeys Knob Residents Association has notified all its members that it has overturned a previous neutral stance on the contentious issue, to now formally oppose the $11 million boat ramp.
Since 2016, the Queensland Government has been planning to build a single six-lane boat ramp with two floating walkways on vacant stateowned land outside Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and Half Moon Bay Golf Club, with an access road on land between the two clubs.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads, which carried out community consultation about the project in July last year, found 63 per cent of locals were supportive of it.
In his latest newsletter, however, YKRA president Maurice Milliner said the organisation had seen the division caused within the community to the similarly controversial Aquis proposal.
“The Government was elected with a mandate to provide extra boat ramps,” he said.
“There are many locals who supported this development.
“There are also locals against the development and a group known as Yorkeys Knob Boat Ramp Action Group (BRAG) was formed.”
BRAG’s president, Adrian Glover, is also the vice president of the resident’s association.
Mr Glover moved a motion at YKRA’s June meeting that the association move from being neutral to formally opposing construction of the boat ramp. The association voted in favour of the motion.
Mr Milliner said he personally did not have an opinion on the boat ramp, and the association’s stance on the matter merely reflected “democracy in action.”
The Sharpe family of Redlynch, had the maiden voyage of their yacht at the ramp at Yorkeys Knob marina on Saturday.
Fleur Sharpe, said they had no dramas getting the boat in the water.
“Currently, there seems to be enough boat facilities for our needs,” she said.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads did not respond to a request for comment.