AN all-tide public boat ramp would again be accessible at Cardwell with the LNP committing to dredge One Mile Creek should they win government at the next state election.
LNP Hinchinbrook candidate Scott Piper said a new LNP government would direct Ports North to assume future maintenance of the canal at One Mile Creek to ensure it was accessible regardless of tides.
He said the public boat ramp at One Mile Creek was a key piece of public infrastructure for recreational and commercial boaties across the region and would be a cornerstone for tourism and economic growth in the area.
Another $2.5 million would be contributed to ensure remedial dredging gets done.
"This is the second state election at which the LNP will offer this long term solution to the people of the Hinchinbrook electorate - it's a carefully considered policy that recognises a short-term Band-Aid approach won't solve the problem," Mr Piper said.
"By directing Ports North to take responsibility for the maintenance of the canal going forward, the LNP policy seeks to ensure that all-tide access to the access to the public boat ramp at One Mile Creek will be restored and maintained,"
Mr Piper said Ports North had the capacity to engage dredging contractors to undertake the necessary works as part of it normal annual maintenance program across the region.
"This proposal ends the uncertainty for local boaties and the local community."
Katter's Australian Party Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has long advocated for the dredging of One Mile Creek.
Mr Dametto said through pressure from the KAP, the federal government committed $1.5 million to dredging in the lead up to the last federal election.
He said the project would be fully funded if KAP found itself in a position to form government after the state election.
Mr Dametto said the people of Cardwell were "sick and tired" of the sears of neglect shown by consecutive state governments when it came to delivering necessary funding needed to clean up and maintain the vital waterway which is "key to the town's economy".
"My commitment to Hinchinbrook is that if the KAP finds itself in a position of power after this year's State election, funding for the complete dredging of One Mile Creek will be one of my non-negotiable conditions," Mr Dametto said.
Townsville based LNP Senator Susan McDonald said the commitment by the Queensland LNP of up to $2.5 million through the Queensland Government Marine Infrastructure Fund, would complement the $1.5 million delivered by the Federal LNP Government.
"The Federal LNP Government committed $1.5 million to help bring the canal at One Mile Creek back into service as an all-tide access public boat ramp and I am proud that the LNP has delivered on that commitment" Ms McDonald said.
"For the Hinchinbrook region, our tourism industry needs to be able to take advantage of our wonderful marine environment and we can't do that without a reliable all-tide boat ramp at One Mile Creek.
"Having worked with Scott and the Queensland LNP team on this issue, I know they are very keen to see this proposal implemented so that the Cardwell Coast Guard has the capacity to respond to emergency calls for service at all tides."
