Boat ramp boost for summer
16th October 2017
Source: The Lakes Mail | By: David Stewart | Posted: October 16, 2017
THE state government has spent almost $900,000 upgrading boat ramps in Toronto and Balmoral in time for summer.
The boat ramp at Toronto Lions Park has received a $435,000 upgrade.
A concrete ramp has been installed, with rock revetments, foreshore stabilisation, and improvements to the boat ramp manoeuvring area.
In Balmoral, there has been a $433,000 upgrade to the boat ramp vehicle and trailer parking area.
The work was delivered jointly by the state government and Lake Macquarie City Council, with funding provided through the $70 million NSW Boating Now program, which provides recreational boating infrastructure throughout NSW.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, was joined by Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, and mayor Kay Fraser for the unveiling of the Toronto works on Friday.
“The two projects are worth almost $900,000 and aim to improve safety as well as access to the region’s waterways,” Mr MacDonald said.
He said the bigger concrete ramp at Toronto enhanced access to Kooroora Bay for larger vessels.
“Work at Balmoral Reserve included widening the boat ramp manoeuvring area, upgrading parking as well as the boat rigging and wash-down areas.”
Mr Piper welcomed the completion of the upgrades.
“I’m really pleased that we’re seeing this Boating Now funding flow through to Lake Macquarie projects at Toronto, Balmoral and Sunshine,” Mr Piper said.
“Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest coastal lake and attracts huge numbers of locals and tourists to the water each summer. These upgraded facilities will help to ensure they can do so easily and safely.”
Cr Fraser said boating was an integral part of the Lake Macquarie lifestyle enjoyed by tens of thousands of residents and visitors every year.
“There is nothing better than being on Lake Macquarie on a sunny day, and council is pleased to be working with the state government to make a day out on our pristine lake even more accessible,” she said.
“The upgraded ramp and facilities at Toronto Lions Park will help people get out on the water quicker and easier, as well as improving the appearance of the park.”
There is also a new floating pontoon at Croudace Bay’s Thomas H Halton Park, and the Valentine jetty has been extended.
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