Despite advice from the state government to rebuild Lake Macquarie's Pelican ramp elsewhere, Lake Macquarie council has alternatively decided to rebuild it in its present location.
Stabilisation reconstruction works will commence around early next year, provided councillors endorse the $1.2 million budgeted plan.
The ramp is designed to last 25 years, and the protective alcove design with surrounding rock structures acting as a buffer are anticipated to withstand any future problems of erosion.
The Mokoro Street ramp has been closed since May 2015, and there has been significant community push for reconstruction ever since.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser says the community was very strong in maintaining the boat ramp's location, and the plan to move it more inland will alleviate erosion problems going forward.
"We had to look at how the engineering would stack up, but I think we now have a really good option where we can go more inland.
"[The ramp] will be more protected now, so we're looking at having rock retaining walls around a meter high. It will be a completely different look than we've had before."
Mayor Fraser is confident Lake Macquarie council will proceed with the notion within months.
"We have to have it approved by council, which will happen this month, hopefully. The community's overjoyed, they've been waiting since 2015 and they've been really patient. I think it's a really great outcome for the community and the council."
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| Image Credit: http://www.lakesmail.com.au/story/3542602/boat-ramp-upgrades-to-boost-lake-safety/ |
