Sailing for all

SAILORS of all abilities can now enjoy upgraded boat launching facilities at Dry Dock Road in Tweed Heads South.

Tweed Shire Council officially launched the refurbishment last week, which will improve accessibility for users of a wide range of watercraft.

Community consultation for the boat ramp included boat ramp maintenance, the installation of a new floating pontoon, removing the old timber jetty, installing a new hand-launch facility for paddle craft and other small vessels, and an improved fish cleaning table.

In addition, the project included foreshore erosion protection, partial carpark resurfacing and line marking, and footpath and landscaping improvements.

The council’s team leader of coast and waterways, Tom Alletson, said Dry Dock was a busy boat ramp and it had been crucial to create the best facility possible for residents and visitors.

“Council seeks to increase the accessibility of the Tweed’s amazing waterways, so it was particularly important that we support an organisation like Sailability, and we’re grateful that the federal government funding allowed us to do that,” Alletson said.

A key feature of the upgrade is a new hand-launching ramp, specifically to meet the needs of the volunteer organisation Sailability that uses the site each week.

President of Sailability in Tweed, John Stead, said the new facility was making a significant difference to how they operated.

“Having a pontoon and boat ramp in front of our operating area makes it easier for us to safely handle our participants into the sailing boats,” Stead said.

“Sailing has huge benefits for participants, many carers comment on their clients being very different after a day sailing.

“The new pontoon and boat ramp is a win-win for all the community, providing the opportunity for people with small craft, canoes and paddle boards to safely access the waterway away from the power boats.”

The Australian Government funded the $860,000 project as part of its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.