‘Pledge to dredge’

A local election issue centred on access to outdoor activities …

Dozens of north Queensland boaties attended a weekend rally in Cardwell demanding all state parties commit to a long-term solution for the silted One Mile Creek.

President of the Cardwell Sportsfishing Club, Chris Storer, said 35 boats and dozens of spectators turned out for the weekend rally where people were asked to “slow traffic” at the boat ramp.

“People feel passionate about it in town,” he said.

But he said safety concerns were growing in the community as the coast guard still did not have all tidal access at the channel.

“We really have to keep on to them that we need it dredged because it’s become a safety issue,” he said.

Key points

• Dozens of boaties turned out to rally state candidates to dredge One Mile Creek
• The channel can’t be accessed at low tide, causing concerns for safety
• $1.5 million of federal funding earmarked for the initial dredging has not been accessed by council yet

Cassowary Coast Mayor Mark Nolan said the silted channel was a “red hot political issue” for the seat of Hinchinbrook in the state poll, and that it would be front of mind for local voters.

“There’s a lot of community anticipation about what should happen and how quickly it can happen, and with the state election imminent, stakeholders have decided they’ll take democracy to the streets,” he said.

Source
ABC News