Boating infrastructure projects completed

Maritime Safety Queensland have recently completed 2 key boating infrastructure projects in the north of the state.

Dredging in Molongle Creek

Dredging works to create a new all-tide access channel out to Cape Upstart and offshore waters through Molongle Creek were completed in June 2022.

The capital dredging works removed approximately 120,000 cubic metres of sediment from the shallow access channel, shaping a new all‑tide channel for boaties.

The new 12m wide channel has been deepened to 2m below lowest astronomical tide.

Stage 1 of the project saw the 42ha dredge material disposal and rehandling facility completed in March 2021, in preparation for the actual dredging works.

Stage 2, the capital dredging works, was completed in June 2022. The total cost to complete both stages was $6.3 million.

The dredging (see the photo below) was carried out under strict state and federal environmental approvals.

Newell Beach boat ramp

Construction of the new $3.5 million all-tide boat ramp at Newell Beach was achieved in late-May 2022, with an official opening held on 6 June 2022.

The new all tide facility (pictured below) features a new causeway, a 2-lane boat ramp with a central fixed walkway and a fishing platform.

Due to the potential impacts of flood debris and waves at the entrance to the Mossman River, the fixed walkway is best suited to the site conditions at Newell Beach.

The walkway is designed to provide berthing access at any stage of the tide without boaties having to get into the water.

As part of the extensive planning process for the new facility, several community workshops were held to carefully understand the needs of the community.

Both projects were funded through MSQ’s Maritime Infrastructure and Investment Program.