General News
2 September, 2026
Supply woes
FRUSTRATED boaties and fishers awaiting the long-promised major upgrade to the Kurrimine Beach boat ramp finally have answers regarding the project’s delay.
While many local residents assumed recent coastal weather was to blame for pushing back the original May start date, official details confirm that a major supply chain disruption forced project managers back to the drawing board.
According to background details released by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), the construction schedule was thrown off course by the sudden, late withdrawal of a key supplier.
The unexpected departure left MSQ having to source an alternative supplier capable of delivering the specialised components required for the revamp.
Addressing the milestone project, a Maritime Safety Queensland spokesman confirmed the state government remains committed to delivering the vital infrastructure.
“The Queensland government is progressing a project to construct a new, upgraded public boat ramp at Bramble Street, Kurrimine Beach,” the spokesman told The Observer.
“The upgraded facility will improve safety, reliability and usability for recreational and commercial marine users.”
Despite the setback on the ground, off-site progress has been quietly underway.
Off-site construction commenced in mid-2026, with heavy fabrication of the ramp’s structural components taking place in Townsville workshops.
With the new supply arrangements now locked in, on-site construction activities at Kurrimine Beach are officially on track to commence in mid-September.
Crews will initially focus on site establishment and the installation of a temporary boat ramp to maintain basic access while the primary work site is transformed.
Funded under the state Marine Infrastructure Investment Program, the upgraded facility features an ambitious redesign developed in close consultation with Cassowary Coast Regional Council and local recreational fishers.
The upgraded structure will replace the ageing facility with a modern two-lane piled ramp built at a 1:8 slope.
Engineering plans use precast concrete piles and structural beams made from high-durability glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP), designed to withstand harsh saltwater conditions.
A fixed GFRP walkway featuring integrated handrails and fender systems will also be built alongside the ramp.
Beyond improving physical safety, the upgraded design extends further seaward to dramatically improve tidal access for local and visiting mariners.
Importantly for the local environment, MSQ says the engineering incorporates features that allow natural sand movement along the coastline, reducing the ongoing need for expensive, disruptive beach nourishment projects.
Local residents and regular boat ramp users have been advised to prepare for imminent disruptions once work commences this month.
For the safety of construction crews and the public, access to the Bramble Street boat ramp and the immediate surrounding area will be fully closed throughout the construction phase.
MSQ has warned neighbouring residents to expect increased dust, noise, and general construction traffic around the site.
Complementary works on the adjacent car park fall under the jurisdiction of local government, with any inquiries regarding car park access and design directed to council.
If the upcoming construction phase runs smoothly, boaties won’t have to wait much longer to launch from the state-of-the-art facility.
MSQ expects the new ramp to be officially open for public use in early 2027, provided site conditions and weather remain favourable.
Read More: Kurrimine Beach