Revised designs for the long-awaited Newell Beach Boat Ramp upgrade have been released this week, with construction expected to commence later this year after the project faced long delays.

Originally construction was expected to commence in mid-2020 however a significant amount of work on design and flood modelling was conducted throughout 2020 to ensure the upgraded facility has acceptable flooding impacts.

Subsequently, when the detailed design process commenced it was identified that flooding impacts were greater, and changes to the design were required to make the project viable.

In December 2020, a shortened ramp structure (by approximately 40 metres) with the same two boat ramp lanes and fixed walkway (down the middle), as presented to the community in early 2020, was found to be the only viable option to mitigate upstream flooding impacts.

The Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said at this stage, the development application process will restart based on the new design.

“I have been advised that tenders will be advertised in mid-2021. Once environmental approvals are gained, further discussions with local stakeholders will occur regarding the construction phase.”

“Onsite construction works are expected to commence later this year.”

Ms Lui thanked the community for getting involved in the project and for sharing their ideas.

“I know how keen local boaties are to see this project come to fruition and I understand the importance of getting the design right.”