BOASTING three lanes and a floating pontoon, a new recreational boat ramp is set to improve access to the bay at Weinam Creek.
Connected to the Moores Road car park, Mayor Jos Mitchell said the new ramp was another welcome piece to the Weinam Creek project.
“This is an important milestone in the ongoing rejuvenation process and will ensure boaties in Redland Bay and beyond have access to modern, high-quality facilities,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“The repositioning of the boat ramp to the southern end of Weinam Creek, away from the ferry terminal, is designed to alleviate parking pressures and assist with the flow of traffic.
“There will also be lifestyle benefits for locals and visitors to Redlands Coast, with the new ramp making it easier to access the islands and experience the city’s expansive coastline and diverse marine life.”
The ramp features three dedicated launching bays and a special pontoon designed for smoother and more efficient queuing for local boaties.
The upgrade also includes 40 new 72-hour trailer parking bays and the construction of a rock seawall on the shoulders of the ramp.
Building the new ramp will also allow space for emergency services, with first-responder vessels being given exclusive access to the old ramp off Banana St, improving emergency response times for residents on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) and helping Redland Bay Coast Guard respond swiftly to incidents on the water.
Another group to benefit from the new ramp is the Redlands Sea Dragons, who moved into a new clubhouse on Moores Rd last year and will use the ramp for its activities.
Redlands Sea Dragons president Rosemary Andrews said the ramp was a wonderful addition to the precinct and would be well used by the club and its members.
“The new ramp and pontoon provides our club with convenient and safe access to the water, right next to our facilities,” Ms Andrews said.
“It will make a real difference for our members, streamlining our activities and making it easier for everyone to enjoy time on the water.”
Division 5 Councillor Shane Rendalls said the ramp had been built to suit the needs of local boaties and would be a valued community asset for many years to come.
“I’ve no doubt users will appreciate having access to three dedicated lanes and a pontoon, while SMBI residents will benefit from less congestion near the ferry terminal,” Cr Rendalls said.
