Bloomfield River pontoon and boat ramp reinstatement works

Project overview

Following the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flooding event in December 2023, the Bloomfield River pontoon and boat ramp near Ayton were badly damaged, making them unsafe to use.

After careful planning, the department is happy to announce the Bloomfield River boating facilities will be rebuilt and made stronger to handle future weather.

Why is this work happening?

Since losing the pontoon and boat ramp access following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in late 2023, the local community have been without a safe, usable pontoon and boat ramp.

The pontoon was torn from its moorings. It was swept down the river out to sea and eventually washed up damaged and unusable on a nearby beach about four kilometres away. The flood caused a scour hole that damaged the boat ramp. Part of it collapsed, making the ramp unusable. This affected safe boat access to the Bloomfield River.

The department is teaming up with Cook Shire Council to make these crucial upgrades happen. We will provide a safer and easier access to the Bloomfield River. This helps the local community and visitors return to their favourite fishing and recreational activities.

The design process included thorough checks to consider all site conditions and environmental impacts. The final design cuts environmental impacts. It makes the new pontoon and boat ramp stronger, so they can handle future weather events better.

How will these works be delivered?

The Bloomfield pontoon and boat ramp reinstatement works will be reinstated in two stages.

Stage 1: installation of new pontoon

Stage 2: boat ramp construction

All works will be subject to weather and site conditions permitting. No works will take place on Sundays or public holidays. However, some out-of-hours works may be required at times to safely facilitate some of the construction activities.

What does this project involve?

This project will deliver:

• Pontoon
  • a new 15-metre-long floating pontoon
  • capacity to accommodate up to six dinghies at one time
  • aluminium construction, which is highly resistant to corrosion, especially in marine environments.
• Boat Ramp
  • a new single-lane four-metre-wide boat ramp
  • constructed with concrete and built to better-handle future weather events.

Construction impacts

The boat ramp and surrounding area will be closed to facilitate these works, with most works done from a barge in the river.

Locals might also notice the following minor impacts:

• minor increased dust and noise
• general construction activities
• workers near the boat ramp location.

Thank you for your patience as we carry out these important safety works. They will help provide safer and more efficient access to the Bloomfield River.

Project work zone

Next steps

We will keep the community informed and provide an update before Stage 2 works begin on the new boat ramp.

Contact us

For more information about the project, you can contact us by:

• (07) 4052 7400 (business hours)
• 1300 551 889 (after hours)
• [email protected]