Davidson Boat Ramp to Undergo $1 Million Upgrade

Davidson Boat Ramp in the Garigal National Park at Killarney Heights, will undergo a $1.01 million upgrade, Brad Hazzard said.

Mr Hazzard said the works – which will include repairs to the boat ramp, installation of an on-ramp pontoon and construction of a new landing pontoon with disability access – will take about eight weeks to complete.

“The boat ramp precinct will be closed from 23 April until early June for the work to take place,” Mr Hazzard said. “The closest alternative boat ramp to Davidson Park is Tunks Park boat ramp, Cammeray.”

“The project will improve the efficiency of boat launching and retrieval at the popular ramp, while at the same time providing access to more people – including those with disabilities.”

Mr Hazzard said access to the nearby canoe launching area will not be impacted by the ramp closure.

“Owners of small dinghies needing to access nearby moored boats will be allowed to use the canoe launching area during the works,” Mr Hazzard said.

Mr Hazzard said the upgrade project would be made possible with 100 per cent funding by the State Government under the Better Boating Program (BBP). National Parks & Wildlife Service (Office of Environment & Heritage) was successful in applying for $1.01 million in BBP funding through Roads and Maritime Services for the improvements.

The funding consists of $356,475 in 2009/10, $539,675 in 2010/11 & $116,143 in 2011/12 (additional funding). Funding is awarded under the Better Boating Program – Sydney Harbour Boat Ramp category (100 per cent funded by RMS).

Work to take place at the Davidson Boat Ramp site will include:

• extension of the boat ramp with repairs to sections of the ramp and improvements to ramp approach;
• construction of an on-ramp articulated pontoon;
• construction of a new landing pontoon and gangway providing disabled access (which will replace existing pontoon/gangway);
• construction of amenity block (and connection to the main sewer system); and
• landscaping works in the boat ramp precinct.

Mr Hazzard said further work on the car/ trailer parking precinct and access roads to the boat ramp site would take place at a later date with further BBP funding of $400,000.

Roads and Maritime Services has approved more than $4.5 million in grants statewide for 2011-12 to provide new and improved boating facilities across NSW.