Local fishermen have reeled in another top spot to sink a line, with the official opening of the new $3.8 million Inkerman Creek boat ramp at Port Alma.
Under the Port Alma boat ramp relocation project deed, there are two new boat ramp facilities being delivered – at Inkerman Creek and at Casuarina Creek.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams also said the project was a win for tourism, opening up additional recreational fishing tourism products in the Fitzroy Delta and Southern Keppel Bay.
He said many locals will be happy to have access to this key piece of infrastructure that allows safer and easier entry to great fishing spots.
“This project came to fruition thanks to consultation with community members and those advocating for a safer, more accessible location to fish and launch boats,” Cr Williams said.
“Rockhampton is the home of the barra and the king threadfin, and this new ramp gives our boaties a better chance of hooking one.”
Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said she was pleased to jointly announce the new recreational boating facility at Inkerman Creek delivered by TMR’s Maritime Safety Queensland, alongside the Rockhampton Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.
“The new, single-lane, boat ramp and car-trailer parking facility is a real win for Central Queensland boaties,” she said.
“Queensland-based company Australian Marine and Civil successfully delivered the project, with careful planning and design by Maritime Safety Queensland to manage the geotechnical constraints.
“Due to these constraints, it’s taken some time to deliver the new facility with an extended period allowed for settlement of the car park fill.
“It’s definitely worth the wait.
“The Inkerman Creek facility is a key part of the Port Alma boat ramp relocation project, and we now look to focus on the second facility being delivered – a new boat ramp at Casuarina Creek.”
Gladstone Ports Corporation CEO Craig Haymes said it was fantastic to see this project reach fruition for the Rockhampton community.
“We have worked closely with Transport and Main Roads’ (TMR) Maritime Safety Queensland and Rockhampton Regional Council to help deliver this $3.8 million project,” he said.
“GPC is proud to support the communities in which it operates.”
Both the mayor and Ms Lauga praised both local and state levels of government the ports corporation on working together.