In Queensland boat ramp facilities are managed in partnership with the State Government’s Maritime Safety Queensland and local Councils.
Boat ramp construction and maintenance (water based components) are the responsibility of the State Government. Local Councils are responsible for providing and maintaining car parking facilities (land-based components).
The issue
In the 2017 Queensland Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study upgrades of the Walkers Point boat ramp and parking facilities were identified as a Priority 1 (for immediate delivery) recommendation.
The recommended works included an upgrade to 45 car and trailer parking spaces and installation of a breakwater and a floating walkway to reduce tidal impacts and improve safe access for users of the ramp.
As at the beginning of 2023, residents were concerned that these recommendations were yet to be actioned and sought advice as to when the upgrades might take place.
Action
In February 2023 the WDRA launched a petition to the Queensland Parliament, supported by Member for Burnett, Mr Stephen Bennett MP, advocating for this work to be included in the 2023/24 budget.
More than 340 signatures were collected in support however, the tabled response from Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mr Mark Bailey MP stated the possible upgrades to Walkers Point remained on the list of recreational priorities but were not included in the current budget.
Update 2025
On 23 January 2025, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg MP and Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett announced the long-awaited Walkers Point boat ramp upgrade will commence mid-year.
The upgrades are estimated to cost $3 million and include reconstruction of the boat ramp’s two lanes, a floating walkway and construction of a rock wall.
Facebook post, Brent Mickelburg MP – Walkers Point boat ramp upgrade
Woodgate residents welcome Walkers Point boat ramp upgrade announcement, Bundaberg Today, 23 January 2025