MORE than 50 years after it was built by Coochiemudlo Island locals, the barge ramp is being replaced.
Islanders donated time and even extra bit of concrete left over from other jobs to get the old ramp up and running.
The faithful old island servant is being demolished to make way for a new ramp, complete with guiding pylons.
The pylons should help ease landing problems for barges in high winds.
Pensar Construction Group personnel supervised the demolition this week after they built a special purpose temporary ramp made from an interlocked mesh of composite material compacted with beach sand.
Cr Lance Hewlett said the new ramp was funded by Redland City Council and would cost more than $1 million.
“Completion date is July 15, weather permitting,” Cr Hewlett said.
Shortly before a local government election in 1970 Coochie locals formed a protest group to campaign about the poor state of the original ramp which had caused problems for vehicles and pedestrians.