General News
5 October, 2026
Council casts light on ramp
BOAT owners at Mission Beach say there has been some progress in long-needed lighting repairs at Clump Point Boating Facility – but a lot still needs to be done to make the area safe in the dark.
Recent repairs have brought welcome relief to mariners – especially those launching or retrieving their boats after sunset or before sunrise – but boaties stress key gaps remain.
A brief statement provided by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to The Observer confirmed that missing lights on the jetty and pontoon were installed on 3 September.
However, in the same email council also noted that three lights in the car park area are still out of order, with an electrician currently investigating the cause.
Mission Beach Boating Association (MBBA) vice-president Paul Howell acknowledged the headway while highlighting lingering operational gaps.
“We haven’t got any information from council to say that this is their work – or any sort of consultation or anything like that, but we’re happy to see progress – that’s for sure,” he said.
According to Mr Howell, approximately 80% of the overall lighting issue has been addressed, leaving a noticeable portion still requiring repair or total replacement.
Among the continuing concerns is the illumination surrounding public amenities.
“One thing that was disappointing is the toilet block,” he said.
“When you actually walk into it, then the lights come on.
“There’s no exterior lighting, so you don’t even know that there’s lights there or that it’s open until you actually go in, which is a bit scary.
“There’s still lots to be done, and we’re sort of hopeful that that will keep going, but we’ll keep pushing the issue.”
Despite these remaining dark spots, local user groups have praised the recent upgrades over the launch area.
In a public statement, the Mission Beach Community Association expressed enthusiasm for the developments, thanking the MBBA for sharing news that new lights were fitted over the boat ramps alongside repairs to the protective edging.
The association noted that the upgrades provide vital visibility and safer access for early morning departures and after-dark returns.
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