Proposed plans for a new and improved boat ramp in Pelican have finally been approved by the Lake Macquarie Council.
Councillors at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 28 August endorsed recommendations to rebuild the ramp in the same location with a new design at a $1.2 million dollar pricetag.
The Pelican boat ramp has been closed since October 2015 after being left in disrepair by tidal erosion over time and damage caused by the super storm in April of that year.
The new ramp aims to address these issues by being positioned in a protective alcove slightly inland from the current site.
Protective rock groynes will also be installed on either side of the ramp, as well as a pontoon for public safety.
A number of other sites and designs were considered before this final decision, including a protested initial proposal to build the new ramp in a popular beach area south of the original site.
"Council staff have worked hard to develop a solution that not only meets the community's needs but also suits the water conditions in that part of the lake," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.
"I am pleased that the voice of residents and Pelican foreshore users has been heard and that boat users will have a new and improved ramp next year."
Some remain concerned that the new boat ramp will meet a fate similar to its predecessor, particularly following state government recommendations to build the new ramp elsewhere to avoid damaging water flows.
With the new design expected to last 25 years, Mayor Fraser says there is little to worry about.
"That's why we're doing a different type of boat ramp. It's actually going inland, which means it'll be like a bit of an alcove, so it'll be protected by being inland, and rock groynes will protect either side of the boat ramp. Having a pontoon in the middle will be good for safety and ensure that it'll be there for the long term."
