General News
12 March, 2026
Kurrimine tractors no more?
A TRACTOR launching a boat at Kurrimine Beach will soon be less of a common sight, after confirmation that a major upgrade to the local boat ramp is going ahead during this year’s dry season.
Designed in consultation with local ramp users, the project will virtually replace the existing Bramble Street ramp with a new, two-lane piled boat ramp and a fixed walkway with handrails and fenders.
The State Government through Marine Safety Queensland is spending about $3.5 million on the project which MSQ says will improve tidal access by extending the ramp.
Its design features, according to MSQ, will allow natural sand movement, reducing the need for costly beach nourishment.
The updated infrastructure will also feature new emergency beach access ramps.
A contract to build the upgraded boat ramp facility has been awarded to Australian Marine & Civil Pty Ltd, and Cassowary Coast Regional Council will be responsible for an extended car park.
A spokesman for MSQ said the successful contractor “has a strong background of delivering quality marine infrastructure across the state,” and that the updated facility will “greatly improve vessel access to and from the area’s popular waters.”
“These improvements will reduce maintenance needs and greatly improve the ramp’s safety and access for recreational and commercial marine users,” he said.
The announcement that the project is going ahead, most likely starting in May, has been welcomed by state MP Shane Knuth, who helped lobby for the funding.
“This is very exciting news,” Mr Knuth told The Observer.
“The boat ramp has been a long, drawn out process,” he said.
“I know that when I was first elected to take in the area of Kurrimine Beach over eight years ago, we have been lobbying and pushing for this project.”
MSQ says weather permitting, the project will be completed in time for the September school holidays, when one of the region’s key marine and community events – the annual Kurrimine Beach Fishing & Spearfishing Classic – is held.
“They’re hoping to get the upgrade done by then and launching and then loading the boats will be easier during that competition,” Mr Knuth said.
“It’ll make a huge difference having an extended ramp, including concrete matting added to it to improve the tidal access.”
MSQ says there will be measures put in place in the meantime.
“During construction, Maritime Safety Queensland will provide a temporary boat launching facility immediately south of the existing ramp,” the spokesman said.
“This will help to maintain marine access for local trailer boat users while the new ramp is being built.”
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