Labor’s $3m Drummond Cove vow

A boat ramp in Drummond Cove wouldn’t just benefit local skippers but keep traffic out of town and help the Geraldton Sea Rescue group, according to a long-time local campaigner for the amenity.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson visited Geraldton on Wednesday and met members of the Drummond Cove Progress Association and Labor candidate for Geraldton Lara Dalton at the site where the party has pledged $3 million if it is re-elected.

The funding would also go towards managing coastal erosion and create a protected recreation area in Drummond Cove, including a family-friendly park upgrade with barbecue facilities.

The project was announced by Mark McGowan during his visit when he launched Labor’s Plan for Geraldton earlier this month.

DCPA member Peter Stratford said he has been campaigning for a boat ramp for more than 15 years.

“The nearest one to here is the town marina. Now on a very, very good weekend, that ramp runs over capacity, there is no parking, it’s busy, so there is a need for a ramp out this way,” he said.

“A recreational boating facility which is protected will make it safe for the residents of the area, and also for the caravan park’s (guests) and other people because Chapman Valley, White Peaks, Waggrakine, all of those boats and trailers travel into the middle of town ... it will drag some of that traffic out of town as well.”

“Then there’s the other benefit of safety for the sea rescue, if they’ve got to tow up this way they won’t have to tow all the way back into town, they’ll be able to go to a protected ramp and it will make it a lot easier for them.”

Mr Dawson said the funding would continue work to protect Drummond Cove, while enhancing its offerings as a tourism location and a local favourite spot for swimming, fishing and recreation.

Shadow regional development minister Steve Thomas also visited Geraldton last week to announce the Liberals’ commitment of $1.5m towards the construction of a boat ramp in the northern suburb if the party won at the polls in March. 

The Nationals previously promised $8.3m to tackle coastal erosion in Geraldton hot spots.