FACILITY APPEAL RAMPED UP

THE school holidays will be the true test for Balgal Beach’s newest addition, an upgraded boat ramp.

It is one of several boat ramps between Townsville and Cairns to get a new lease on life following investment from the State Government.

Karan Jasch, a long-term Balgal Beach resident, said the old boat ramp had needed an upgrade.

“We have a lot of people coming in now, it’s just going to make it a lot better,” she said.

Ms Jasch said the boat ramp was a major meeting point for the community.

“A lot of people come out here to go fishing, they come in here and have fish and chips – it will be good for the community,” she said.

It is hoped the ramp will be a boost for nearby businesses and act as a drawcard to the picturesque camping spot.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said a number of major marine infrastructure projects were under way in North Queensland.

“There are at least half a dozen projects supporting jobs between Townsville and

Cairns under the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million investment in marine infrastructure,” Mr Stewart said.

“Last week, crews finished repairs on the popular Balgal Beach boat ramp, north of Townsville, after it was damaged last year. We’ve also got a $1.2 million project along Ross Creek under way to rebuild two boat ramps.

“These projects are not just giving boat users better facilities, they’re giving local surveyors, concreters, truck drivers and marine construction workers jobs.”

The State Government is also working on or has completed works on Townsville, Innisfail, Bramston Beach, Clump Point, Molongle Creek and Yorkeys Knob boat ramps.