Progress Made, But More Work Still Needed

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has signed and shared our petition.

We welcome the recent announcement from Member for Hervey Bay David Lee MP that funding has now been secured for repairs and upgrades to the River Heads pontoon. This is positive news for our community and recognition of the concerns that local residents, fishers, and boat users have been raising for years.

However, while the funding announcement is encouraging, many important issues remain unresolved.

The River Heads pontoon has suffered from storm damage since 2022, including the loss of the L-shaped section and deterioration of sections that have caused damage to vessels. The community is eager to see repair works commence and for a timeline to be provided so that users can once again safely access the facility.

In addition, the broader River Heads boat ramp precinct still requires significant attention. Parking for boat trailers remains inadequate during busy periods, there are no security cameras to help protect vehicles and equipment, waste management facilities are limited, and the site remains vulnerable to future storm damage without improved protection measures.

River Heads is one of the most important marine access points on the Fraser Coast. It is used daily by recreational fishers, boaties, tourists, commercial operators, and emergency services travelling to and from K’gari. The facility needs to be maintained not only for today’s users but for the growing population that will rely on it in the future.

We also note that a previously announced $2.5 million commitment for upgrades to the River Heads boat ramp has been the subject of recent public discussion. While this is a separate project from the pontoon repairs, both projects are important to the long-term safety and functionality of the precinct. The community deserves clarity on the status of all proposed works and a clear pathway forward.

Our petition remains focused on ensuring that River Heads receives the safe, reliable, and well-maintained boating infrastructure our community deserves.

Thank you for your continued support.