Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, today officially opened the new and improved Community Boat Ramp at Melville Bay in Nhulunbuy.
The $556,677 (incl GST) upgrade to the boat ramp was funded through the Territory Labor Governments $50 million investment in recreational fishing, which was an election promise.
The upgrade, which provided work for local contractors and was driven by the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club (NRFSC), also includes two new fishing platforms.
The project involved several stakeholders, including the local Police, Border Force, tourism and fishing charter operators, the Dhimurru Rangers and the Gumatj people.
As noted by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles:
The Territory Labor Government is investing in recreational fishing because it creates jobs, injects millions of dollars into our economy and is a huge part of our Territory lifestyle.
This is a prime example of different stakeholders working together to achieve an outcome beneficial to the whole community. The fantastic efforts of the NRSFC must be recognised, especially the huge amount of work put in by project coordinator Peter Cox.
Several different groups will use the ramp for different reasons, so the completion of this project is a win for the whole community.
Already today weve seen a large turnout use the ramp for a family fishing competition, and there is no doubt it will prove a popular, all-tide facility that provides safe access to the water for a range of users.
Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club President, Anthony Bergamo:
The completed facilities have secured all-tide, all-weather, safe access to Melville Bay for recreational anglers and tourist operators.
We are very grateful for the support from the Traditional Owners and Northern Territory Government in helping us achieve this fantastic result.
All construction works have been completed by local contractors and it has been a real boost to the local economy.
We are very confident the community will enjoy this facility for many years to come.
