Work will start in October on Stage 1 of upgrades at the Onslow Community Boating Precinct.
A $9.2 million contract for stage one works has been awarded to WA based company Ertech.
A new two-lane boat launching ramp will be constructed with a central floating jetty located 150 metres north of the current facility at the Beadon Creek (Onslow) Maritime Facility.
Works also include initial dredging to create deeper waters for safe navigation to and from the ramp, earthworks to form the ramp and construction of several rock revetment walls.
The current ramp will remain in use during work with the new ramp expected to open by mid-2022.
This project is funded by the Shire of Ashburton ($7.9 million), the Commonwealth Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program ($0.9 million) and the State Government ($0.4 million), with the project being delivered by the Department of Transport.
As stated by Senator the Hon. Jonno Duniam:
"Recreational fishing is an important leisure activity that contributes economic and social benefits to the Australian community, and is a part of the Australian way of life for all ages and for all socio-economic backgrounds.
"Improving facilities and access to recreational fishing, boating and camping areas will provide locals and visitors alike with better opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors by camping and fishing in our rivers and at the coast."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is an exciting project for Onslow, made possible by a major funding commitment from the Shire of Ashburton that will create modern new boating facilities while supporting local jobs.
"The Pilbara region has a high recreational boat ownership rate of 70 vessels per 1,000 people, and this project will provide new boating facilities for both local and visiting boaties as more people choose to holiday at home in WA.
"In addition to social and recreational benefits, the project will provide an economic boost for the local community, supporting local jobs and the local economy with 60 per cent of the contract expenditure in regional WA, and 99 per cent to be spent on WA content."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
"Onslow is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy the water.
"When complete this project will provide more opportunities for residents and tourists to get out and enjoy the Pilbara.
"I am also pleased local businesses are encouraged to offer their services to the successful contractor with the assistance and support of the Onslow Chamber of Commerce and Industry."
