$2.7 million contract awarded for Mourilyan boating facilities

The Queensland Government has awarded a $2.7 million contract to a Cairns based company to build new recreational boating facilities at Mourilyan Harbour.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the awarding of the contract was the next stage in the extensive planning and detailed design work undertaken for the new facilities.

“I’m very pleased to announce the $2.7 million contract for the new recreational boating facilities at Mourilyan Boat Harbour has been awarded to a Far North Queensland based company, CEC Constructions Pty Ltd,” Ms Nolan said.

“The awarding of the contract means that delivering these new facilities for the people of Far North Queensland is one step closer.

“These extensive new facilities will include a three-lane boat ramp, a 90 metre long protective rock breakwater, and a 60 metre long floating walkway pontoon positioned on the boat ramp.”

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt welcomed the awarding of the contract and said the new facilities would be a major boost for local boaties.

“The new facilities will greatly improve the accessibility, safety and efficiency of launching and retrieving recreational vessels at the harbour,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Bligh Government recognises the need for increased boating facilities in Far North Queensland and is delivering these facilities for the community.”

Mr Pitt said that detailed design work had been undertaken to ensure the long-term stability of the new structures at the new site location.

“As the new facilities are sitting on over six metres of soft marine mud a thorough investigation and geotechnical design was needed to ensure the long-term stability of the breakwater, turn-around area and boat ramp,” he said.

“Unfortunately this detailed design work has taken longer than expected and on site works originally expected to commence in January are now planned to start in March or April with completion due in mid year 2010.”

Around 20 people will be employed at various stages of the project.

The majority of funding for the project is being provided by the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Boating Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program, with the former Ports Corporation of Queensland contributing $500,000 towards to the total project cost.