Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt has continued to apply pressure to the State Government to adhere to its timeframe for the construction of the Mourilyan Harbour boat ramp, pontoon and breakwater, which was announced by the Deputy Premier in 2007 with construction yet to commence.
In a question on notice in Parliament, Mr Pitt asked the Minister for Transport, the Honourable Rachel Nolan MP, to provide a definitive timeline for the completion of the project.
In response, Ms Nolan said it was anticipated the successful tender will be issued a contract in October 2009.
“Approvals for the new boat ramp and breakwater were sought at the beginning of August 2009. Works will begin once these approvals are received, with an anticipated start date of December 2009,” Ms Nolan said.
“Approvals for the pontoon or floating walkway will be lodged in November 2009, once the successful contractor has completed the design.
“It is not possible to give a definitive timeframe for the project’s completion, as it will depend on the successful contractor’s methodology for the construction of the boating facilities, as well as weather conditions. However, I am advised that subject to favourable weather, construction should begin early in 2010 and be completed by the end of April 2010.
Mr Pitt said that while he was grateful for the response it was still well outside the original anticipated completion date of December 2009.
“I am pleased to at least have a firm commitment from Minister Nolan on a completion date, but I am wary that construction will now coincide with the cyclone season which could potentially lead to further delays,” Mr Pitt said.
“I want the people of Innisfail to be assured I am doing all I can to ensure the government is kept accountable for its commitments in this region.”
The Mourilyan Harbour project will include the construction of a new three-lane boat ramp, a 90m long protective breakwater, and a 60m long floating walkway-style pontoon positioned in the middle of the new ramp for public boating use – at an estimated total cost of $1.25 million.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is funding the works from the 2009-10 Boating Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program and the former Ports Corporation of Queensland is contributing $500,000 towards the total project cost.
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