Council has recommenced investigations into a potential upgrade of the existing Council-owned parking facilities and amenities at the 1770 public boat ramp, located between 535-539 Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy.

Our design approach will be in line with community expectations and values while focusing on:

• Provide safety improvements for motorist, recreational boat users and pedestrians
• Increase car-trailer unit (CTU) parking bay capacity for recreational boat users accessing the 1770 public boat ramp.

Council is in early stages of developing a new proposed concept design and has undertaken targeted engagement with stakeholders in the project area to capture their feedback on potential design elements.

Council is committed to continuing to work with businesses, stakeholders and the community to develop an outcome which addresses the community's concerns for parking in the popular tourist and recreation area while limiting impacts to the surrounding environment.

Proposal adjusted

The carpark design has been reduced in size compared to previous concepts shared with the community, with a strong focus on preserving the environmental value of the surrounding land, its flora and fauna.

The proposed layout largely aligns with the existing carpark, aiming to improve safety and accommodate modern vessels without significant expansion.

This proposal includes a road realignment for Captain Cook Drive which will move through traffic outside the carpark area.

Studies have been completed to understand existing and potential challenges in the identified area and the project is currently in negotiations to secure the land required to increase the footprint.

Boat Ramp Upgrade Recommendations

The 1770 Public Boat Ramp, and any decisions to change or upgrade it, is the responsibility of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) as the asset owner.

While DTMR’s Queensland Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study 2022 suggested a major upgrade (four-lane ramp, floating walkways, 130 car-trailer unit spaces, etc), Council does not support increasing boat ramps or floating walkways at this location.

Instead, Council will work with DTMR to explore suitable alternatives elsewhere.

Community Engagement

Targeted engagement has already taken place with businesses, tenants and users of the marina, and we will be engaging the wider community on the project as designs develop.

Council is not only committed to developing a concept design but to developing the right concept design.

There is currently no deadline to complete construction however Council will continue progress the development while ensure it meets project goals and community expectations.