General News
12 July, 2026
Boat ramp safety risks
BOATOWNERS who regularly use the Clump Point boat ramp at Mission Beach are calling on council to replace or re-install lighting at the facility, saying there are increasing safety concerns as more boaties turn up to launch before daylight on good weather days.
A recent meeting of the Mission Beach Boating Association (MBBA) heard that because there is currently no lighting and inadequate reflectors at or near the ramp, car park and on the pontoons, boatowners have to reverse their vessels into the water under unsafe conditions in the dark.
MBBA spokesman Paul Howell told The Observer that it is also becoming riskier for boaties to access the narrow drive into Clump Point, especially when cars and trailers are moving in both directions on Clump Point Road.
“Those wishing to depart early to secure a park say navigating the only road to and from the facility has been challenging due to the lack of light and reflective markers while passing traffic in the dark conditions,” said Mr Howell.
“Contributing to the issue is low hanging forest which presents significant risk of damage to vehicles and boats on trailers,” he said. “Many see this as a safety concern.
“The delay in replacing the solar-powered lights at the ramp has not helped and it’s also the general maintenance that has been lacking – with damage to fibreglass rail edges on the ramp and launch pontoon and minimal reflective lighting on the boat ramp and barrier poles.”
If lighting cannot be installed in the near future, the MBBA has suggested to Cassowary Coast Regional Council that it does at least something in the meantime to alleviate their safety concerns.
“Coming into peak season, the MBBA would suggest council implement a traffic management plan and signage indicating right of way for larger trailer vessels and to radio ahead if they require extra room and don’t want to get caught having to reverse in the dark,” Mr Howell said.
In an internal financial report presented to council’s June meeting, there is an item under the ‘marine facilities’ heading showing ‘Clump Point boat ramp solar lighting’ being in “planning phase”.
The Observer has asked council for any details of its plans for solar and other lighting and reflectors to be installed at Clump Point, and what time frames there are for installation or replacement, if any. The newspaper plans to publish council’s response in a future edition.
Read More: Mission Beach