Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has welcomed news that boating infrastructure will be improved on Townsville’s Northern Beaches, with floating pontoons to be installed at boat ramps at Bushland Beach and Saunders Beach.

Mr Cripps said the upgrades follow similar recent infrastructure improvements to boating infrastructure in the Hinchinbrook electorate, including a new boat ramp at Saltwater Creek at Toomulla and a new floating pontoon at Mourilyan Harbour.

“This is good news for boaties on Townsville’s Northern Beaches, with floating pontoons increasing safety and accessibility to boating opportunities for both younger and older people and Queenslanders with a disability” said Mr Cripps.

“The residents on Townsville’s Northern Beaches are very keen fishers and improvements floating pontoons at both the boat ramps servicing Saunders Beach and Bushland Beach will certainly be used regularly and appreciated” he said.

Mr Cripps said he was pleased that the Marine Infrastructure Fund, which was planned for and put in place by the former LNP Government, had allowed for these improvements to boating infrastructure in the Hinchinbrook electorate.

“I’m particularly pleased to learn that the installation of these floating pontoons will also involve the widening of the existing ramps and should allow the ramps to be used at lower tides, which will provide for even better access to these facilities”.

“The population on Townsville’s Northern Beaches has increased significantly over the last 15 years and it is important that community infrastructure like this is improved to accommodate that growth and maintain the popular lifestyle we enjoy in the area”.