$3.04 million secured for boat ramp upgrade

Patrick Goldsmith, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Marion Bay will get its long sought-after boat ramp upgrade after Yorke Peninsula Council received $3.04 million through the state government’s South Australian Boating Facilities Fund.

Local stakeholders and community members welcomed the news after it was announced yesterday (Monday, July 10).

Concept plans for the ramp were endorsed by council members in October, but only approved by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport last week.

YPC CEO Andrew Cameron said the $3.8m project would be built this financial year.

“It’s been a long journey, and we’ve had to come up with a compromised solution to get here, but it’s a good one and an amazing outcome for everyone associated with it,” he said.

“We’ll now be going to tender as soon as possible, at least within the next two months, and have a target of electing a tenderer by November.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said he was delighted the project would finally come to fruition.

“I’m pleased to approve the Yorke Peninsula Council’s funding application for $3.04m for the construction of a new boat ramp at Marion Bay,” he said.

“This project will improve safety for all who use the boat ramp.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis for his long and tireless advocacy for this outcome on behalf of his community.”

The plans, developed with Magryn and Associates engineers, include a six metre wide ramp for large boats, a four metre ramp for small to medium boats, new carpark, walkway and wave calming infrastructure.

YPC received almost 40 submissions during public consultation about the project plans, the majority positive.

Mr Ellis said the current ramp was far too unsafe for such a popular tourist destination.

“It was a topic I raised again last week during estimates and in my budget reply speech so I am thrilled Yorke Peninsula Council’s latest submission has been successful after multiple attempts,” he said.

“A new facility at Marion Bay… will certainly bring with it vitally improved safety for all who use it, as well as significant economic and tourism benefits for the growing Marion Bay township and region.

“This news will be heartily welcomed by council, Marion Bay Progress Association and township, Yorke Peninsula tourism and fishing sectors as well as local sea rescue vessel volunteers who have long battled with the inadequate ramp.”

Marion Bay gets its pay day

Yorke Peninsula Council mayor Darren Braund said council had worked with various stakeholders to come up with the most appropriate design to serve the community.

“The upgrade of the ramp has been spoken about for many years, so the funding announcement is a fantastic step forward,” Mr Braund said.

“This project would not be possible without external funding and council is very grateful the state government has seen fit to support such a worthwhile upgrade.”

For members of the local community, the news of the funding couldn’t have been more pleasing.

Marion Bay resident Craig Thompson, who has long pushed for an upgrade, said it was the best news he had received in 18 months.

“This has taken us 20 years to actually get it going; at long last Marion Bay will have a boat ramp,” he said.

“I’ve been rattling everyone’s chains as much as possible for the past 18 months and thank god they’ve got off their backsides to get it done.

“It’s going to make a big difference to tourism in the town because just recently I spoke to so many people here for a visit who didn’t bring their boat because they heard the ramp was in such poor condition.”

Nikki Murray said she and husband Jarrad, who together manage the Marion Bay Caravan Park, agreed that as a result, local tourism would benefit.

“We’re thrilled and eager to see a new boat ramp go ahead,” she said.

“We think it is equally as exciting the new boat ramp will make launching and retrieving more accessible and safer for all.

“The added tourism to Marion Bay that a new boat ramp promises is always appreciated and we can’t wait to welcome new tourists to the area and the park.”

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 11 July 2023.