Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, says he is pleased to report that his representations to the State Government requesting the urgent removal of sand to improve access to the Clump Point Boat Ramp at Mission Beach has been successful.

Mr Cripps said his representations to the Minister for Ports, Mark Bailey, in September, have been responded to with confirmation that the Department had investigated the matter and that the silt would be removed shortly.

“The Minister has advised that the Department is currently organising for the removal of the silt from the toe of the ramp, which is expected to be completed during low-tide periods before the end of the month (October 2015)” said Mr Cripps.

“These works will be subject to contractor availability and the approval of permits, but the Minister has acknowledged the problem and it is good news that the Department is aware of the access issues due to the silt build-up” he said.

Mr Cripps said Minister Bailey advised that the removal of the silt was a temporary measure and that a longer term solution was being investigated as part of the planning associated with the Mission Beach Safe Boating Infrastructure Project.