Calling Groper Creek Boaties

Future Upgrades Confirmed For Boat Launch

The Hinkson Esplanade boat launch on Groper Creek has been confirmed for future upgrades, with $640,000 proposed to complete the works.

Groper Creek and Hinkson Esplanade were identified for the upgrade through data released from Maritime Safety Queensland.

The data recommended construction of a two-lane ramp with a centralised queuing structure in place of the southern, downstream ramp, and a new parking area to hold 40 car-trailer spaces.

Despite Groper Creeks popularity with locals and visitors for on water activities, the upgrades are not scheduled to take place until five- or 10-years’ time.

Groper Creek Caravan Park Manager Jeanette Garvey questioned the amount of money spent on yet another survey with no mention of jetty rehabilitation and protection works.

“None of the recommendations made for the Burdekin have been implemented since the last survey of all boating facilities in Queensland was done in 2017, and the latest report even admits that only 10 per cent of the state-wide recommendations have been delivered in part or full in the 5 years since the delivery of the report,” she said.

“It’s common knowledge that the Burdekin has the most boat registrations per population base in the state and this latest report is pushing for upgraded facilities closer to where Townsville boaties launch within the Burdekin Shire. What about the locals who pay annual registration fees?

“It’s great to see Groper Creek identified for upgrades to cope with future demands but it doesn’t appear like any funding is in the pipeline for immediate upgrades and maintenance works, especially when the report states that a flood current investigation will need to be conducted to determine the viability of a floating walkway or fixed sloping walkway as a queuing structure.”

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Home Hill Boat Club members Jeanette Garvey (Park Manager), Carol and Rod Walters, Lyn Dowe (Treasurer), Wendy (Park Manager) and Dave Coplick (Vice Commodore)