Pontoon repair on cards soon

FIXING IT: The broken pontoon at the inner harbour boat ramp will be reinstated as soon as possible after a meeting with the contractor who installed it, boat owner representatives and the district council. Picture by Liam Clayton

The left-hand side of the pontoon at the inner harbour boat ramp, broken during heavy surges in the port in May, will be reinstalled as soon as possible, according to the council's director liveable communities Michele Frey.

A meeting was held at the boat ramp with members of the boating community and the contractor who installed the pontoon in December last year.

The pontoon broke apart on both sides in May during heavy swells.

Ms Frey said the meeting was a chance for everyone to understand what happened and to focus on how to move forward.

“Both parties are keen to collaborate to develop immediate, medium, and long-term solutions.”

Ms Frey said immediate actions included the repair of the gangway and reinstalling it with the left-hand side pontoon.

“Deciding on the design for the right-hand side of the pontoon will take a bit longer.

“In the meantime, the council will instal signs to caution people about the risks of accessing the pontoon ‘island' that's still on the left-hand side.”

A pressure recorder device will be installed in the water to gather information for what options will be best suited to the right-hand side.

“We will meet again in two weeks to provide the boating community with an update.”

Medium-term to long-term actions include cost-effective options for the right-hand side of the boat ramp.

Ms Frey said a strategic approach was needed for the long term for all recreational craft water users.

“This will require a broad partnership approach and funding opportunity.”