Boat ramp hits a snag

Yorkeys Knob boaties demand say in new facility

PLANS for a new $10 million boat-ramp facility at Yorkeys Knob have hit a snag with management of the neighbouring boat club raising concerns about consultation.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford has spearheaded the project with Monday’s Cairns Post reporting on concept plans.

The facility, which would be on State Government land near Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, would be built over two stages and include eight lanes of ramps with two floating pontoons.

The ramps would feed boats into the existing marina at Yorkeys Knob, which is protected by a rock wall.

But the marina also has almost 200 large-boat berths.

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Commodore Andrew Tulloch said he had fielded calls from concerned berth holders and club members.

Mr Tulloch said the club had not been properly consulted before details were made public this week.

“They have jumped the gun with this announcement,” he said. “I think we play a major role as far as stakeholders go and absolutely no formal consultation has happened yet.”

Mr Tulloch said more than 3000 club members deserved to have their say.

Mr Crawford said he had engaged in “preliminary con- versations” with a manager of the club but conceded there had been no contact with board members.

“I have written to the club (Tuesday) and explained the process and where it ties in,” he said.

“We will need the club’s approval because we want boats to be able to traverse through the marina. I’m anticipating there will be some division in the club’s ranks about the proposal and I’m happy to try and work with them on that to find a happy medium.”