Ashburton Shire calls on State funding support for Onslow’s Beadon Creek boating facility

The Shire of Ashburton is calling on the State Government to help fund the second stage of the redevelopment of its vital boating facilities. The Onslow Community Boating Precinct at Beadon Creek is a two-phase project to renew the existing facility deemed by the local government to be at the end of its life. Stage one will cost $7.5 million and includes replacing the boat ramp, dredging the precinct basin and building revetments, while stage two includes a sealed carpark and landscaping, boat pens and jetties, toilet facilities and a possibility for leasehold areas. It is a joint project between the Shire of Ashburton and the Department of Transport, with funding also committed from the Chevron- operated Wheatstone Project. Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the existing facility was considered beyond repair. “The proposed complete project will provide modern safe facilities to launch and retrieve vessels similar to those found elsewhere in the region,” she said. Ms White said the organisation had committed $6m to the $7.5m stage one development, with works forecast to begin mid-year to replace the existing boat ramp. She said dredging the precinct basin and building revetments were priority works for stage one. “Stage two, a further estimated $7.5m, still requires a funding commitment, and the Shire of Ashburton is looking forward to working with the newly elected State Government to secure the funding required to deliver this key community infrastructure project,” she said. Department of Transport director project delivery Cameron Smith said the department was assisting the Shire with the delivery of the project. “DoT has significant expertise in planning and constructing large-scale coastal infrastructure and works collaboratively with local government to deliver projects that benefit boat owners and the wider community,” he said. Cr White said the new facility would serve to encourage and attract operators to use Onslow as a base for whale watching and fishing charters. “The much-needed project will also provide further opportunities for tourism as we look set to welcome a record number of visitors to Onslow and the Shire as we move into our tourist season,” she said.