Maritime Safety Queensland has opened community consultation on plans to upgrade the River Heads boating facilities on the Fraser Coast. The project focuses on replacing ageing access infrastructure while improving the safety and functionality of the existing boat ramp.
River Heads is a major recreational access point for the Great Sandy Strait and K'gari. Consultation on the concept design remains open until 11 October 2026.
Floating walkway will be replaced
The existing floating walkway has deteriorated through age, weather and marine exposure and is approaching the end of its service life. The concept design replaces it with a new structure and adds a pontoon at the outer end.
The new arrangement is intended to give boaters a more reliable place to handle vessels before and after launching. MSQ also proposes additional rock protection around the facility.
Ramp repairs form part of the same project
General repairs and improvements to the existing boat ramp are included in the concept plan. The project has been identified as a priority investment in regional boating infrastructure based on forecast recreational demand.
MSQ expects construction to be completed by the middle of 2027, subject to weather and marine conditions. The final design may change after community feedback and further technical assessment.
Boaters can comment on the concept design
Local residents and facility users are being invited to review the plan and complete an online survey. Feedback will be considered alongside environmental, operational and engineering requirements before the design is finalised.
For LBG readers, this is a useful example of why public consultation matters in small-boat infrastructure. Ramp layout, walkway position and pontoon access can have a direct effect on queueing, vessel handling and safety at busy launch sites.