THE future of the Bowen marina remains in limbo, despite an ongoing and united campaign by representative groups, local businesses and Burdekin MP Dale Last.
Answering a question in parliament by Mr Last, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey gave no commitment that damaged pylons would be replaced, potentially meaning a reduction in the mooring capacity at the marina.
“What we know is that there are pylons at the Bowen marina that are being removed due to damage and a lack of maintenance,” Mr Last said.
“We have made the Minister aware, on several occasions, that not replacing those pylons would mean fewer boats are able to moor, something the Minister has not addressed.
“The Bowen marina and harbour are unique, in that they are just a short stroll from the middle of town, and that is something that should be embraced as part of attracting more visitors to Bowen.
“As it stands currently, any visitors arriving by boat and wanting to moor at the marina will be welcomed by facilities that, frankly, have been overlooked for far too long.”
Mr Last said Bowen deserved the opportunity to embrace the potential of the marina but that current users also deserved a safe and suitable facility.
“The marina infrastructure is owned and operated by the state government,” Mr Last said.
“The users pay to use the facility at a rate determined by the government and, frankly, they are getting very little back for the amount they are paying.”
“When Minister Bailey talks about transport infrastructure in the South-East, it is all about planning for the future. When he is asked questions about transport infrastructure in Bowen, all we get are references to the past.”
