ALMOST 200 trailer bays and three ramp lanes should be added to the busy Raby Bay boat ramps to ease pressure on boating facilities, a report has recommended.
Raby Bay foreshore parkland would be developed to widen the existing William Street parking lot, another breakwater built to the west and the existing northern breakwater extended.
The $10 million project was proposed in an audit of recreational boating facilities in the Redlands, which was commissioned by the Transport Department.
The audit formed part of a statewide study into boating infrastructure and assessed about 80 local government areas including Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Redlands has a parking shortfall, which meant its 19 ramps, comprising 38 lanes, were not all being used to their fullest extent.
The study also found the problem contributed to overcrowding at some sites.
Safety of ramp usage on Southern Moreton Bay Islands was another issue, as ramps were shared between boaties and large commercial vessels.
Raby Bay’s William Street upgrade was listed as a top priority but other smaller projects should be undertaken within the next decade to help meet growing demand.
Mayor Karen Williams said council was aware of the study and was seeking consultant advice on how the recommendations might fit into existing development plans.
She said a number of the recommended projects were already part of council’s asset management plans but welcomed any additional boat ramps.
“Council has consistently lobbied for more boat ramps and marine infrastructure so our residents and visitors can enjoy our coastal location and we would welcome any additional boat ramps the state government is planning for the city,” she said.
“While marine infrastructure is a state responsibility, council contributes through associated infrastructure such as increased car parking...”
About 13,000 boats were registered to Redlands addresses in June 2016 but south-east Queensland’s population boom means the number will likely grow.
The Transport Department commissioned the study to help local government and other agencies prioritise works but other projects have already begun.
A feasibility study has identified Tina Avenue as a preferred site for a ramp at Macleay Island and the state government is investigating two sites at Russell Island for a second barge ramp.
William Street’s existing breakwater will also be extended later this year.
