The Cullen Point barge ramp is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Mapoon community. Photo: Instagram (Matt Clough).
Stage two of Mapoon’s Cullen Point barge ramp redevelopment has been completed via a $600,000 investment through the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program.
The first stage of the works included the construction of the barge ramp, which was finished in February.
The completed stage two works delivered a rock wall structure adjacent to the existing barge ramp to improve safety and access for both commercial and recreational vessels using the infrastructure.
The construction of the rock wall is critical for Mapoon’s disaster resilience, and ensures the barge ramp can withstand severe weather and be utilised in emergency evacuations.
Improved access will also mean greater food and fuel security for the Mapoon community during the wet season, providing a direct freight route for emergency response and resupply.
The $1.8 million project was jointly funded with the State Government and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said it reflected the criticality of the infrastructure for Mapoon residents.
“The addition of the barge ramp at Cullen Point is an essential piece of infrastructure for the community,” he said.
“Not only is it improved access for disasters and flooding during the wet season in Cape York, but it is a huge part of recreational fishing in Mapoon.
“Communities like these should not be disadvantaged because of where they are located, and that is why I am so proud we are investing in projects such as these through our Investing in Our Communities Program.”
