New Causeway Lake boat ramp makes a splash

A newly upgraded boat ramp has been unveiled today at Causeway Lake, providing safer access for clients of Sailability Capricornia.

The upgraded ramp aims to provide improved accessibility and allows Sailability Capricornia to support sailing for people with disabilities.

Member for Keppel and Assistant Minister for Education Brittany Lauga said the funding would provide a unique upgrade to the existing boat ramp located at the Causeway Lake, improving access, and supporting wheelchair-bound people to access boats.

“The funding through the Palaszczuk Government’s Fishing Infrastructure Program was one more piece in the puzzle of rejuvenating the Causeway,” Ms Lauga said.

“There was a $300,000 government spend on the Causeway’s scope to dredge and rejuvenate which are critical steps in the lake's revitalisation and to expanding the recreational activities the lake can be used for.”

Councillor Pat Eastwood, Portfolio Holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, said the new ramp was made possible through the support of the Queensland Government’s Fishing Infrastructure Grants program and additional financial support from Livingstone Shire Council.

“The old ramp was made of gravel and carpet, which made it steep, uneven, and slippery. I know it was a significant ongoing maintenance issue for Sailability Capricornia, who identified the ramp as unsuitable,” Councillor Eastwood said.

“This upgrade provides easier accessibility to the water, and it helps Sailability Capricornia provide an invaluable service to the community more safely and efficiently.”

Councillor Andrea Friend said Council was proud to construct this new ramp which will benefit the community for many years to come.

“I have been a strong advocate for Sailability Capricornia and their efforts in attaining funding for this vital upgrade, so I’m excited to see it completed and trust that it will provide a more user-friendly experience,” Councillor Friend said.

President of Sailability Capricornia, Helen Mackay, said the new ramp at Causeway Lake had been a long time coming and its upgrade will improve their services to their clients.

“The new ramp, which has been two and a half years in the making, provides our clients with a smooth and evenly sloping surface, which is very important given the limited mobility of most of our clients,” Mrs Mackay said.

“With its improved angle and extended length, it provides consistently deeper water for all our boats, particularly for our pontoon boat Percy as it loads passengers in wheelchairs and walkers using a ramp.”

Construction commenced on the new Causeway Lake boat ramp in early November 2022, and practical completion finished in mid-January.