A BIRKDALE man is petitioning for marine facilities at Wellington Point to be upgraded.
Adam Doughty, 18, said he was frustrated by his tinny being damaged at the Wellington Point ramps by rough conditions.
A pontoon, beach and breakwater were needed to improve the facility for boaties trying to launch or return their vessels to shore.
He has started an online petition to gauge opinions on the issue but plans to make submissions to council and state government.
Mr Doughty said he bought his tinny in December before trying the ramps near his home.
He said he was surprised to find out the popular Wellington Point recreational reserve was so under-equipped for boaties.
“… The area is all shallow and surrounded by rock,” he said.
“It has no protection from the wind whatsoever as it is exposed.
“We have no pontoon or beach sand next to the ramp, so launching and retrieving boats via the ramp can be difficult, dangerous and causes damage to our boats.”
So far, 40 people have signed Mr Doughty’s petition at change.org, with some also voicing concerns about a lack of parking at Wellington Point.
Mr Doughty said he could not understand the poor facilities at Wellington Point given Redlands high number of boat owners.
He also called for the channel to be dredged.
“It seems like Wellington Point is the only major facility in the Redlands not up to scratch like the rest,” he said.
A Transport Department spokesperson said exposure to waves meant it was not possible for a pontoon or floating walkway to be installed at the ramps.
Boaties were encouraged to use sheltered facilities at Manly Harbour, Tingalpa Creek, Cleveland Point or Toondah Harbour during uncertain weather conditions, the spokesperson said.
“Due to wave exposure at Wellington Point, we encourage boat users heading out for longer periods or in uncertain weather conditions to use the sheltered facilities nearby … ,” the spokesperson said.
A queuing beach to one side of the southern boat ramp allowed safe access and was accessible during most tides. Passengers could embark and disembark safely using the nearby jetty, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the lead-in channel to the Wellington Point facility was being assessed to determine if dredging was needed.
Other current and announced Transport Department projects in the Redlands included an extended breakwater at Cleveland’s William Street, a feasibility study for a new boat ramp at Tina Avenue on Lamb Island, dredging of the entrance channel to Manly Boat Harbour and a funding contribution to Redland City Council’s proposed upgrade to the Russell Island ferry terminal.
