Boating and fishing enthusiasts are now able to enjoy the waterways of the Burrum River at Buxton even more with the installation of a pontoon near the township’s boat ramp completed ahead of schedule.
Council's Division 2 Councillor and Deputy Mayor Tony Ricciardi said the proposal to construct the pontoon was previously requested by the Buxton community and local recreational boating public and placed on a Queensland Transport and Main Roads Department forward plan.
Cr. Ricciardi said he was pleased to see work on the project completed, with local and visiting boating and fishing enthusiasts already benefitting from the construction of the pontoon.
He said the floating pontoon and gangway near the boat ramp in Powers Street provides a secure point to moor vessels as well as making it easier for people to get in and out of boats without getting their feet wet and assisting with launching and landing in strong currents.
“The pontoon is beneficial to everyone looking to enjoy a day on the water, especially children, the elderly and those with a disability” Cr. Ricciardi said.
“People launching and removing their boats from the river can now moor their vessels at the pontoon and back their trailer into the water, easing congestion at the ramp during busy boating periods” he said. “I’ve already had lots of positive comments from people who are using and enjoying the pontoon”.
Council’s Health and Environmental spokesperson Cr. Mary Wilkinson said the floating pontoon is a 13 metre x 3.5 metre structure with a 21 metre gangway fixed to a nearby rock retaining wall.
Cr. Wilkinson said those who enjoyed a spot of fishing are permitted to cast and fish from the pontoon, although they are required to “give way” to boat owners.
