Boating and fishing enthusiasts and the Coast Guard are set to benefit from a new pontoon on a popular waterway.
Sunshine Coast Council has replaced the well-used Maloja Pontoon on the Pumicestone Passage at Tripcony Lane in Caloundra.
Councillor Terry Landsberg said the new 12m by 4m pontoon featured a modern design, including a durable concrete deck that was perfect for boating and fishing.
“We’re proud to provide and maintain vital community facilities like the Maloja Pontoon, which contribute to our active lifestyles here on the Coast,” he said.
“When developing the final design, we asked our community what type of structure would best suit their needs, conducted a detailed site investigation and completed a review to ensure we offered best value for the investment.
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“A modified design to the new pontoon provides a gentler sloping gangway of 14m by 1.8m that improves accessibility for all users, especially at low tide.”
The project was undertaken by council and the state government ($220,000) and assisted by the federal government ($80,000).
Coast Guard Caloundra’s Commander Roger Pearce said the new pontoon and walkways would be safer to negotiate.
“We are 100 per cent supportive of the new pontoon as the new design will alleviate many issues that had developed over the past years,” he said.
“In the end, the old pontoon became more waterlogged and was no longer fit for purpose.”
Mr Pearce said the Coast Guard used the pontoon mainly on weekends and he appreciated the more accessible pontoon and walkways.
“Our Coast Guard walkway has also been modified to bridge the two pontoons for easier access,” he said.
Cr Landsberg thanked the Caloundra community for their patience during the reconstruction works.
“I’m sure this new Maloja Pontoon will continue to be a popular spot for our community, boaties, water users and fishing enthusiasts well into the future,” he said.
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