marine facilities and infrastructure...

Marine Facilities and Infrastructure Plan Version: 22February13

Department of

Transport and Main Roads

MARINE FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

Prepared by: Boating Infrastructure Department of Transport and Main Roads Version: 22 February 2013 Author: Principal Advisor Owner: Program Manager (Boating Infrastructure) Approver: Program Director (Statewide Programs) Enquiries: [email protected]

PRINT IN COLOUR FOR CHAPTER GUIDANCE

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CONTENTS

MARINE FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN – OVERVIEW .................................................. 4

CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE OF PLAN – STRATEGIC LINKS.............................................................................. 5

1.1 SCOPE OF PLAN ............................................................................................ 5 1.2 LINKS TO GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

AND MAIN ROADS CORPORATE PLAN .................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2 –MARINE FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE – GENERAL ....................................... 6

2.1 PROVISION OF MARINE FACILTIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE – POLICY AND

GENERAL GUIDELINES.............................................................................................. 6 2.1.1 Provision of marine facilities and infrastructure – policy.............................. 6 2.1.2 Marine facilities demand – guideline ........................................................... 6 2.1.3 Funding of state-owned in-water facilities and infrastructure – guideline.... 7 2.1.4 Grant funding – guideline............................................................................. 7 2.1.5 Funding of marine facilities and infrastructure in state-managed boat harbours – guideline.................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 COMMERCIAL & PASSENGER TRANSPORT USAGE OF MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE

– GUIDELINES.............................................................................................................. 8 2.2.1 Funding of commercial marine infrastructure – guideline............................ 8 2.2.2 Approval for commercial use of marine facilities and infrastructure – guideline 8 2.2.3 Assessing commercial use of marine facilities and infrastructure – guideline 8 2.2.4 Costs for shared commercial/recreational use of marine facilities and infrastructure – guideline.................................................................................................................... 9

2.3 CLOSURE OR RELOCATION OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINE 9 2.4 MAINTENANCE OF MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINES ......................... 10

2.4.1 Maintenance contributions for state-owned marine facilities – guideline .. 10 2.4.2 Maintenance contributions for non-state-owned marine facilities – guideline10 2.4.3 End of life/decommissioning costs – guideline .......................................... 10

2.5 MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINE.............. 11 2.6 SIGNAGE AT PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – POLICY AND GUIDELINES12

2.6.1 Responsibility for signage at public marine facilities – policy .................... 12 2.6.2 Signage (owner/manager names) - standard ............................................ 12 2.6.3 Load limit sign for ramps – guideline ......................................................... 12 2.6.4 Warning and advisory signage – guideline................................................ 13 2.6.5 Funding and provision of new or replacement signage at public marine facilities with appointed manager – guideline .............................................................................. 13 2.6.6 Signage maintenance and update – guideline .......................................... 14 2.6.7 Signage not directly associated with public marine facility usage – guideline 14

2.7 NAMING OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES................................................. 14 2.8 DEVELOPMENT BY PRIVATE INTERESTS – GUIDELINE......................... 14 2.9 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COMMERCIAL/TOURISM OPERATORS AND PASSENGER

TRANSPORT – GUIDELINE....................................................................................... 15

CHAPTER 3 – BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES – GENERAL .................................. 16

3.1 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES LOCATION – GUIDELINE16 3.1.1 Coastal locations – guideline ..................................................................... 16 3.1.2 Inland locations – guideline ....................................................................... 16

3.2 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES FUNDING – GUIDELINE17 3.3 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES DESIGN – GUIDELINE .. 17 3.4 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES DESIGN – STANDARD . 17

CHAPTER 4 – BOAT RAMPS AND ASSOCIATED CAR-TRAILER PARKING..................................... 18

4.1 BEACH ACCESS BOAT RAMP – GUIDELINE............................................. 18 4.2 BOAT RAMP GRADIENT – STANDARD ...................................................... 18 4.3 BOAT RAMP LENGTH – STANDARD .......................................................... 18 4.4 BOAT RAMP DESIGN – STANDARD ........................................................... 18 4.5 BOAT RAMP CAR-TRAILER PARKING – GUIDELINE ............................... 18 4.6 BOAT RAMP CAR-TRAILER PARKING AND ACCESS ROAD – STANDARD 19 4.7 BOAT RAMP QUEUING FACILITIES – GUIDELINE .................................... 19 4.8 BOAT RAMP LIGHTING AND LIGHTS – GUIDELINE ................................. 20 4.9 BOAT RAMP WASH-DOWN FACILITIES – GUIDELINE ............................. 20

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4.10 FISH CLEANING FACILITIES – GUIDELINE................................................ 20

CHAPTER 5 – LANDINGS – PONTOONS, FLOATING WALKWAYS AND JETTIES ......................... 21

5.1 PONTOONS AND FLOATING WALKWAYS – GENERAL........................... 21 5.1.1 Pontoons and floating walkway – definitions ............................................. 21 5.1.2 Provision of pontoons and floating walkways – guideline ......................... 21 5.1.3 Pontoon and floating walkway design – guideline..................................... 21 5.1.4 Pontoon and floating walkway design – standard ..................................... 22 5.1.5 Pontoons and floating walkways – engineering specifications.................. 22 5.1.6 Assessing pontoon and floating walkway design tenders ......................... 22 5.1.7 Pontoon and floating walkway stability – design assessment ................... 23 5.1.8 Pontoon and floating walkway decking – standard.................................... 24 5.1.9 Piling for pontoons and floating walkways – standard............................... 24 5.1.10 Pontoon and floating walkway site suitability – guideline .......................... 24 5.1.11 Pontoon and floating walkway abutment – standard................................. 25 5.1.12 Provision of fresh water on landings – guideline ....................................... 25

5.2 PONTOONS (WITH GANGWAY ACCESS) .................................................. 26 5.2.1 Provision of pontoons (with gangway access) – guideline ........................ 26 5.2.2 Pontoons (with gangway access) design – standard ................................ 26 5.2.3 Pontoons (with gangway access) lighting and lights – standard ............... 27 5.2.4 Pontoon (with gangway access) compartments – standard...................... 27 5.2.5 Pontoon (with gangway access) piles – standard ..................................... 27 5.2.6 Pontoons (with gangway access) impact resistance – standard............... 27 5.2.7 Pontoon (with gangway access) disabled access – standard ................... 27

5.3 FLOATING WALKWAYS .............................................................................. 28 5.3.1 Provision of floating walkways – guideline ................................................ 28 5.3.2 Floating walkway design and configuration – standard............................. 28 5.3.3 Floating walkway piling interval – standard ............................................... 29 5.3.4 Floating walkway flotation modules and decking – standard .................... 29 5.3.5 Floating walkway fendering and berthing – standard ................................ 30 5.3.6 Floating walkway light and lighting – standard .......................................... 30

5.4 JETTIES......................................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER 6 – DREDGING .............................................................................................................................. 32

6.1 DREDGING OF ACCESS CHANNELS – GUIDELINE.................................. 32 6.2 DREDGING DEPTHS – STANDARD ............................................................ 33 6.3 ONCE-OFF DREDGING FUNDING – GUIDELINE........................................ 33 6.4 DREDGING TO ALL-TIDE FACILITIES OUTSIDE STATE-MANAGED BOAT HARBOURS

– GUIDELINE.............................................................................................................. 33 6.5 DREDGING FOR COMMERCIAL USE – GUIDELINE .................................. 34 6.6 DREDGING OF COASTAL CREEKS AND RIVERS – GUIDELINE.............. 34 6.7 DREDGING INSIDE STATE-MANAGED BOAT HARBOURS – GUIDELINE35 6.8 DREDGING OF ACCESS CHANNELS TO BEACH RAMPS – GUIDELINE 35

CHAPTER 7 – DICTIONARY AND TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................ 36

APPENDIX A – TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT........................................................... 37

APPENDIX B – LEGISLATION EXTRACTS................................................................................................ 39

DOCUMENT SIGN OFF ................................................................................................................................... 42

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MARINE FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN – OVERVIEW The Queensland Government has been involved in the provision of marine facilities and infrastructure since the early 20th century with the basic objective of encouraging recreational boating.

The historical basis for the department’s marine facilities and infrastructure provision derives from sections 140 and 187 of the repealed Harbours Act 1955. These repealed provisions are continued in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and amplified in the Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011.

The former Department of Harbours and Marine became more active in provision of marine facilities under an incentive scheme known as the Commonwealth Aid (Marine Works) Fund. It was supplemented from the state’s Harbour Dues Fund. When federal funding ceased in 1969 the Small Craft Facilities Fund was set up, and – when responsibility shifted to Queensland Transport – the current Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program was established. The program is administered through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

State boat harbours were initially provided by the Queensland Government to foster recreational boating by providing harbours within a nominal twenty-four hour sailing distance. This was accomplished by the late-1980s as far north as Port Douglas.

The provision of marine facilities and infrastructure outside state boat harbours is usually a joint undertaking between the department and a local managing authority (local government or port authority).

In accordance with a memorandum of understanding with the Local Government Association of Queensland, the department provides funding for in-water facilities and infrastructure such as ramps, landings and dredging, and the managing authority provides the land and land-based components, then – by appointment – manages the whole facility (excluding dredged channels). This partnership arrangement also applies to marine facilities and infrastructure in three of the eleven state boat harbours: Burnett Heads, Townsville and Port Douglas – each of which has an appointed manager.

The department provides and self-manages marine facilities and infrastructure in eight of the eleven state boat harbours: Manly, Cabbage Tree Creek, Scarborough, Mooloolaba, Snapper Creek (at Tin Can Bay), Urangan, Rosslyn Bay and Bowen.

Local managing authorities may provide marine facilities and infrastructure independent of the state.

This plan provides policies, guidelines, explanation and selected standards to deliver and maintain marine facilities and infrastructure.

Refer to the dictionary at Chapter 7 (page 35) for terminology explanation that will aid interpretation of this plan.


Chapter 1 – scope of plan – strategic links

1.1 SCOPE OF PLAN This plan provides strategic policy, guidelines, explanation and selected standards for delivery, ownership, management and maintenance of marine facilities and infrastructure.

1.2 LINKS TO GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS CORPORATE PLAN This plan aims to accord with Queensland Government objectives, and Department of Transport and Main Roads desirable transport system outcomes: Government objectives for the community:

Transport and Main Roads Strategic Plan 2012-16 – corporate strategies

Grow a four pillar economy Effective use and operation of the transport system

Lower the cost of living for families by cutting waste

Develop and implement integrated transport system policies and plans

Deliver better infrastructure and better planning

Maximise the safety of people using the transport system

Revitalise front line services for families

Develop effective infrastructure programs and plans based on government priorities

Restore accountability in government

Plan and make balanced investments in cost-effective transport infrastructure and services

Ensure an agile, capable and high performance workforce

Maintain transport systems assets

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Chapter 2 –Marine facilities and infrastructure – general

2.1 PROVISION OF MARINE FACILTIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE – POLICY AND GENERAL GUIDELINES 2.1.1 Provision of marine facilities and infrastructure – policy The Department of Transport and Main Roads provides marine facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of the recreational boating public through its Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program. The provision of marine facilities and infrastructure is prioritised within available funds to ensure a fair and equitable distribution across the state. Priority is given to the provision of facilities and infrastructure that provide the greatest possible recreational benefit to the public. Marine infrastructure can include boat ramps, pontoons, floating walkways, artificial reefs and fishing platforms. See www.tmr.qld.gov.au for more information on the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program. 2.1.2 Marine facilities boating usage demand – guideline The department conducts periodic analyses of regional and state-wide demand for marine facilities and infrastructure to guide allocation of funds from its Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program. The department recognises three levels of demand for marine facilities:

off-peak demand – typical weekday usage

average demand – taken to be demand for a facility on weekends (and, for certain regional locations, other busy periods)

peak demand – demand for a facility at peak holiday periods or for special events.

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The department expects off-peak demand at a given facility to be met in almost all circumstances. Its program of works is aimed at satisfying average demand. The department does not cater for peak demand. This is because funds (provided largely by collection of recreational boat registration fees) are stretched meeting demand for basic marine infrastructure such as dredging, landings, breakwaters and boat ramps around the state, and local managing authorities cannot allocate sufficient resources (land and funds) for peak demand days. Scarce foreshore land is in intense demand for other purposes, as is funding. A 2011 study equated these levels of demand to an approximate percentage of the registered boat fleet likely to use boating facilities. These approximations equated to 8% usage for off-peak demand, 14% for average demand and 20% or greater for peak demand.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/


2.1.3 Funding of state-owned in-water facilities and infrastructure – guideline

Outside state-managed boat harbours, the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program normally funds new and upgraded in-water facilities and infrastructure for state ownership, with a local managing authority as the appointed on-site manager.

The management appointment of local managing authorities does not extend to dredged channels.

The department provides marine facilities and infrastructure where:

funds are available

construction is in accordance with department standards

there is a joint undertaking between the department (for the in-water components) and a local managing authority (for the land-based components)

a local managing authority has agreed to be appointed as manager of the state-owned in-water components under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994

2.1.4 Grant funding – guideline Grant funding may be provided to local managing authorities (by request or arrangement) to own, and assume on-going responsibility for, marine facilities and infrastructure. Where funds are available grants may be provided for any agreed purpose such as breakwaters, channels, dredging, boat ramps, fishing platforms and related marine infrastructure. Grants may be for any valid reason at the department’s discretion and may be subject to a written agreement. 2.1.5 Funding of marine facilities and infrastructure in state-managed

boat harbours – guideline

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The Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program funds both in-water and land-based components for marine facilities and infrastructure in state-managed boat harbours.


2.2 COMMERCIAL & PASSENGER TRANSPORT USAGE OF MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE – GUIDELINES 2.2.1 Funding of commercial marine infrastructure – guideline Funding will not be provided for the provision of marine infrastructure to assist passenger transport services and other commercial operations unless there is significant proposed recreational usage (greater than 50%) of the facility. Where there is an element of commercial demand for a public marine facility, the following proportions of departmental funding will apply where the department agrees to own the facility:

the commercial demand is about equal to the recreational boating demand: 50% funding through the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program

the projected commercial demand is significantly greater than the recreational boating demand: 25% funding through the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program

there is projected significant commercial demand and little or no demand by the recreational boating public: no funding through the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program.

2.2.2 Approval for commercial use of marine facilities and

infrastructure – guideline In accordance with section 6 of the Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 an appointed manager of a public marine facility must seek written consent from the department for commercial use of a public marine facility. See Appendix B. 2.2.3 Assessing commercial use of marine facilities and infrastructure

– guideline The department will assess applications from local managing authorities for commercial use of a public marine facility on a case by case basis. When assessing whether to allow commercial use of a new or existing facility a number of matters will be taken into consideration, including:

operators not interfering with or hindering genuine private recreational boating usage of the facility

whether the facility can accommodate both commercial and recreational users

whether the facility is designed to take commercial vessel loads/impacts where there is mixed recreational and commercial use of a public marine

facility, the infrastructure must meet or exceed the appropriate Australian standard for commercial use.

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2.2.4 Costs for shared commercial/recreational use of marine facilities and infrastructure – guideline

Where the recreational boating public and commercial or public transport interests share a facility, the costs of initial provision, maintenance, upgrade and replacement will normally be shared with the local managing authority on the basis of proportionality to actual or estimated usage. Such cost sharing will be by written agreement. The local managing authority will normally share the maintenance costs on a proportional basis with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, recovering contributions at its discretion from commercial operators by charging of fees through the passing of local laws, a regulated fee or resolution of a board. A fee must not be imposed for genuine private recreational use of the in-water components of a public marine facility.

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2.3 CLOSURE OR RELOCATION OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINE The department does not support proposals involving the permanent closure of public marine facilities – unless the proposal also provides for the establishment or relocation of equivalent public marine facilities and supporting infrastructure to a proximate location at no cost to the department. The new facilities should be substantially better than the existing in both serviceability and capacity so as to contribute to future community recreational needs.


2.4 MAINTENANCE OF MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINES 2.4.1 Maintenance contributions for state-owned marine facilities –

guideline The department is responsible for the cost associated with the structural maintenance of the in-water components of departmentally owned public marine facilities through the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program. Appointed managers are responsible for funding associated with the day to day maintenance, management and operation of the facility including: cleaning above and below water of ramps, pontoons and floating walkways removal of debris removal of minor accumulation of silt, sand and mud using manual methods

such as a shovel or broom, a hose or high pressure water cleaner or machinery that will not damage the boat ramp structure (see note below)

cleanliness and readability of signage (see 2.6 for more on signage) concrete crack repairs (filling and sealing) ramp shoulder maintenance other minor maintenance Note: Provided prior approval is sought, the department may reimburse the cost of removal by land-based machinery of significant accumulation of silt, sand or mud that cannot be addressed by other methods. The department will consider special case assistance for facility managers where regular or seasonal siltation rates at a facility are significant and beyond the normal level or maintenance works expected of a facility manager. 2.4.2 Maintenance contributions for non-state-owned marine facilities

– guideline Where there is an agreement for department contributions to maintenance of non-state government owned marine facilities, the owner must seek concurrence from the department prior to commencing the maintenance work. Maintenance agreements will be re-negotiated in accordance with current patterns of usage from time to time. Any prior maintenance agreement with the department lapses at end of asset useful life unless agreed otherwise in writing. 2.4.3 End of life costs/decommissioning/asset disposal – guideline

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For marine facilities and infrastructure that reach end of useful asset life, the liability for replacement or decommissioning rests with the asset owner, unless negotiated otherwise in writing. If agreed by both parties, the department can also dispose of assets that have reached the end of their useful asset life by transferring to another Queensland Government entity (including local authorities).


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2.5 MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – GUIDELINE The management of the in-water components of each state-owned public marine facility (outside state-managed boat harbours) is vested in a local managing authority by management appointment under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994.

As part of these management appointment arrangements the appointed manager is required to manage the facility and carry out or arrange maintenance. See section 460 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (Appendix A) for maintenance responsibility. The statutory power of the Department of Transport and Main Roads to vest the management and control of a public marine facility is found in sections 459 and 519 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994.

Management and maintenance requirements are amplified in this plan and specified in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994, its Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 (extracts at Appendix B), and in the departmental document Standard Terms and Conditions for the Management and Control of a Public Marine Facility (Appendix A) provided to appointed managers. Dependent on the site, frequent inspections by appointed manager staff are required for operational status of the facility, attending to silt and growth removal, cleanliness, etc.

The department expects appointed managers to conduct regular technical and safety inspections of facilities under their management by suitably qualified or experienced staff, such that timely action is taken on asset maintenance and structural integrity. Bi-annual inspections are recommended. Appointed managers may request a joint inspection with a departmental officer from the department’s nearest regional office. See 2.6.6 for periodic signage audit requirements.


2.6 SIGNAGE AT PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES – POLICY AND GUIDELINES 2.6.1 Responsibility for signage at public marine facilities – policy For state-owned public marine facilities with an appointed manager, the appointed manager is responsible for signage. For public marine facilities in state-managed boat harbours, the department is responsible for signage. Nothing in the guidance below on standard, content, wording or funding removes the overall responsibility from the public marine facility manager for all signage in a facility it manages. Responsibility for signage flows from its placement on land controlled by the facility manager and from sections 460, 462 and 463 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (Appendix B) and section 7 (d) of the Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 (Appendix B). These legislative requirements relate, among other things, to empowerment, liability, responsibility and management. They are supported by section 3 of the Standard Terms and Conditions for the Management and Control of a Public Marine Facility (Appendix A). 2.6.2 Signage (owner/manager names) - standard For public marine facilities in state-managed boat harbours, all signage accords with Queensland Government standards and departmental drawings (which in turn are both compliant with Australian standards and conventions). For public marine facilities with an appointed manager: the department requires and will provide a sign to departmental standards

with the Queensland Government logo and facility type the appointed manager is required to provide a sign indicating it is the

facility manager and showing contact details. This sign will normally incorporate the appointed manager’s logo and will be to the appointed manager’s signage standard.

The Queensland Government has standards for signage on its buildings and infrastructure. These standards cover colours, logo, lettering size and font, etc. Compliant drawings for public marine facility signage have been prepared by the department and are available on request. They comply with relevant Australian standards. 2.6.3 Load limit sign for ramps – guideline

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A load limit sign for ramps is mandated by section 4(g) of the Standard Terms and Conditions for the Management and Control of a Public Marine Facility and is the responsibility of the facility manager. Ramps have been damaged in the past by excess loading. Prosecution of offenders may be instigated by appointed managers or the department.


2.6.4 Warning and advisory signage – guideline At the discretion of the public marine facility manager, and based on circumstances impacting the facility, signage may be placed indicating:

ramp may be slippery (strongly recommended for all boat ramps)

tide restricted ramp

steep drop at end of ramp

ramp, pontoon or floating walkway affected by cross currents

ramp, pontoon or floating walkway exposed to wave action in strong winds

steeper grade towards end of ramp

vessels berthing (on pontoon or floating walkway) have priority over fishing

overhead wires/lower masts (where wires pose a potential risk to users)

ramp, pontoon or floating walkway etiquette

restrictions and guidance on facility usage supported by local laws, such as berthing time limit on pontoons and floating walkways, no oyster removal, no diving/jumping, etc (provisions should be supported by local laws or equivalent port provisions)

use of facility for fishing purposes - indicating priorities between fishing and boating use

other warning, advisory or local law signs deemed necessary

2.6.5 Funding and provision of new or replacement signage at public

marine facilities with appointed manager – guideline For new or significantly upgraded public marine facilities, the department will provide a multi-panel sign incorporating the above information as agreed with the appointed manager. The appointed manager must ensure that wording on signage accords with its legislated responsibility and liability for all aspects of public marine facility management and operation. The appointed manager, in accordance with its appointment powers, may replace or add to signage provided by the department. Replacement or addition of signage on the primary multi-panel facility sign may be instigated by the appointed manager at any time. Funding, along with all aspects of signage, is the responsibility of the appointed manager, however the department may: reimburse the costs of the appointed manager, provided approval is sought

in advance and the proposed signage is to departmental standards instigate and fund replacement signage by arrangement with the appointed

manager.

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2.6.6 Signage maintenance and update – guideline The manager of a public marine facility, whether the department or an appointed manager, should conduct regular inspections of signage and instigate necessary update, maintenance, replacement or removal. A systematic annual review of signage is expected as a minimum standard of stewardship from each public marine facility manager. Appointed managers may request a joint inspection with a departmental officer. 2.6.7 Signage not directly associated with public marine facility usage

– guideline The department considers that signage on or near public marine facilities should be limited and carefully managed, as proliferation reduces the effectiveness of essential signage and impacts visual amenity. Signs relating to management of the facility, public safety, amenity (noise etc), environmental protection and regulatory compliance should take precedence over other signage. Signage for entities other than the department or appointed manager is at the discretion of the public marine facility manager. The department supports painting across the top of boat ramps indicating that a marine park is about to be entered.

2.7 NAMING OF PUBLIC MARINE FACILITIES

Naming of public marine facilities managed by the department will be guided by the Dedication and Naming of Aids to Navigation guideline. Naming of public marine facilities that have an appointed manager other than the department (ie local council, port authority) will be an issue for the appointed manager to determine. The appointed manager should inform the department of the intention and in most instances the department will advise no objection.

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2.8 DEVELOPMENT BY PRIVATE INTERESTS – GUIDELINE The department encourages involvement by the private sector or other agencies in the provision of boat launching and landing facilities and associated dredged channels. The department reviews the state interest in new private developments in terms of adequate marine infrastructure - public boat launching and landing capacity in the locality, including allowance for additional future demand generated by the particular development.


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The department seeks to ensure the following:

an agreement from the developer to provide any shortfall in boat ramp lanes, together with queuing pontoon(s), floating walkway(s) and fishing platforms deemed necessary, and adequate car-trailer parking – noting that this extra capacity may be on site or geographically separate and can contribute to the communities future marine facilities needs

a pontoon landing for displacement craft is provided or contributed to (if required)

new facilities and infrastructure is to the department’s standards

the developer sets in place an agreement with the state or the local managing authority to own the in-water facilities, and with the local managing authority to own the land-based facilities

unless the department agrees in writing that a private-sector-provided facility will have all-tide access to the open sea or a landing will be accessible by deeper draught vessels, then there will be no commitment by the department for initial access dredging or ongoing maintenance dredging.

2.9 INFRASTRUCTURE FOR COMMERCIAL/TOURISM OPERATORS AND PASSENGER TRANSPORT – GUIDELINE The Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program does not provide new marine facilities or infrastructure to serve tourism, commercial operations or passenger transport except where: an existing facility is in legacy ownership by the department or subject

to an existing maintenance agreement a proposed new facility’s boating usage is at least 50% recreational. Prior to committing to projects involving significant commercial or passenger transport facility usage, a management agreement will be negotiated with the local managing authority regarding management, operation, and future maintenance responsibilities and funding for this facility. Departmental funding programs other than the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program may fund, or partly fund, commercial or passenger transport marine facilities and infrastructure.


Chapter 3 – Boat launching and landing facilities – general A boat launching facility can vary from the most basic boat ramp for beach access to a major facility including a multi lane boat ramp, access road, car/trailer parking, public amenities, lighting, floating walkways, pontoons, dredged channel and aids to navigation.

3.1 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES LOCATION – GUIDELINE 3.1.1 Coastal locations – guideline The department favours proposals for boat launching and landing facilities that give access to the open sea at all tides.

Priority will be given to the provision of sheltered all-tide facilities giving access to the open sea.

Part-tide facilities may be provided where there is demand, and dredged access is not feasible. For instance, beach access ramps may be provided where there is sufficient demand and no suitable nearby sheltered waterway.

The department recognises that most natural boat launching sites have already been utilised and that some future sites may require a breakwater or dredging in order to develop otherwise unsuitable sites to cope with increasing community demand. However, the most economically viable options will take precedence, including the expansion of existing facilities, and the changing of existing foreshore land uses. In many cases, limiting or avoiding dredging costs will be a crucial factor. Dredging is addressed in Chapter 6. 3.1.2 Inland locations – guideline

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The department may provide boat launching and retrieval facilities on inland rivers, creeks, dams. lakes and weirs.

The provision of public marine facilities at inland locations (such as dams) is assessed on a case-by-case basis.


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3.2 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES FUNDING – GUIDELINE Provision of new boat ramps and landings should be a joint undertaking between the Department Transport and Main Roads and a local managing authority. The exception is inside state-managed boat harbours, where all components of public marine facilities are funded by the department. Standard partnership funding, subject to written confirmation at project inception, is subject to:

the department funding the in-water components of the facility

the local managing authority funding the car-trailer parking, access road to the facility and, where necessary, associated lighting and other land-based services and facilities

the local managing authority having appropriate control of land above high water mark and agreeing to manage the total facility, to carry out day to day maintenance, and to be appointed as manager of the in-water state-owned facilities under the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and its Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011.

3.3 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES DESIGN – GUIDELINE The design of a boat launching or landing facility for departmental ownership can be carried out by the local management authority, by the department, or by a consultant on their behalf to departmental standards.

3.4 BOAT LAUNCHING AND LANDING FACILITIES DESIGN – STANDARD Design requirements for departmentally owned boat launching and landing facilities are provided in department standard design documents (including boat ramps, floating walkways, pontoons and car park layout drawings). They may also be specified for individual facilities in the design or tender documentation, or approved by the department if from external sources.


Chapter 4 – Boat ramps and associated car-trailer parking This chapter should be read as a sub-set of Chapter 3 (Boat launching and landing facilities – general).

4.1 BEACH ACCESS BOAT RAMP – GUIDELINE Beach access boat ramps funded by the department in exposed locations do not commit the department to provide protection such as breakwaters or to provide dredged access. Such ramps are provided where there is significant justifiable demand and there is no suitable protected waterway in the vicinity.

4.2 BOAT RAMP GRADIENT – STANDARD Boat ramps should be constructed at grades no shallower than 1 in 10 and no steeper than 1 in 8. Steeper ramps (to 1:7) may be considered on a once off approval basis taking into consideration:

intrusion into a creek is too great (navigational perspective) for a standard length ramp

ramp slipperiness at the steeper slope can be managed

other site specific factors

4.3 BOAT RAMP LENGTH – STANDARD In coastal waterways, where possible, boat ramps should be constructed such that the ramp extends into the water to a minimum of 0.5 metres below Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT).

4.4 BOAT RAMP DESIGN – STANDARD

Boat ramp design is to comply with “Design guidelines for boat ramps” – drawings Misc 36-5-1 to Misc 36-5-5.

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4.5 BOAT RAMP CAR-TRAILER PARKING – GUIDELINE

Parking and other land-based services that impact the in-water facilities are to be provided by the local managing authority to department standards.


4.6 BOAT RAMP CAR-TRAILER PARKING AND ACCESS ROAD – STANDARD

Minimum car-trailer unit parking space numbers are: 90 for four-lane ramps 70 for three-lane ramps 45 for two-lane ramps 15 for single-lane ramps with sealed road access 10 for single-lane ramps with all-weather unsealed road access

There are no car-only parking bay number requirements. Local managing authorities are encouraged to provide some car-only parking bays if space is available.

For partnership funding to be provided, the local managing authority will provide at its cost: a defined, off street, all-weather manoeuvring and car-trailer parking area

to departmental standards all-weather access from the street, road, car-trailer park and manoeuvring

area to the top of the ramp toilets and tap water for boat ramps of three lanes or more. The access road surface should be sealed except for minor single-lane ramps approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Such minor single-lane ramps should have an all-weather access to the ramp. The standards in this section are departmental and used as a contractual pre-requisite for funding approval. They are not applicable to marine facilities owned by entities other than the department and are not enforceable retrospectively.

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4.7 BOAT RAMP QUEUING FACILITIES – GUIDELINE Queuing facilities may consist of a natural or constructed beach, extra lane, floating walkway or pontoon. To aid boat launching and recovery, at least one queuing facility is required at all ramps except the most minor single-lane boat ramps. Where site conditions preclude construction of a queuing beach or other queuing facility, and usage level warrants, an extra lane may be considered to serve this purpose. When site conditions permit, queuing beaches will be included in the configuration of boat launching facilities regardless of whether a pontoon or floating walkway is also provided. A queuing beach, on publicly owned foreshore, should where possible extend ten metres or more to each side of the boat ramp.


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4.8 BOAT RAMP LIGHTING AND LIGHTS – GUIDELINE On newly constructed or upgraded boat ramps reflectors may be included in the design by the department – to provide guidance to vessels approaching in minimum light. Where required by a harbour master as part of the approvals process, a navigation light may be provided at the boat ramp. Public marine facility managers may provide flood or other fixed lighting as part of the land-based facilities. Where appropriate, AS1158.3.1-2005 Lighting for roads and public spaces will be complied with.

4.9 BOAT RAMP WASH-DOWN FACILITIES – GUIDELINE Wash down facilities are supplied at the discretion of the public marine facility manager. If provided, the wash down bay and water will need to be incorporated into the car-trailer park configuration. To limit water wastage at large facilities the facility manager may choose to limit wash-down to cleaning salt water off trailers and their braking systems.

4.10 FISH CLEANING FACILITIES – GUIDELINE The department does not provide fish cleaning facilities at state-owned public marine facilities as they have the potential to create operational, health and safety issues. The department discourages fish cleaning at public marine facilities as disposal of fish waste into the waterways can attract dangerous marine species, which can create an increased risk to boat ramp users. Land-based vermin, birds and insects can be attracted creating visual, hygiene and odour concerns.


Chapter 5 – Landings – pontoons, floating walkways, fishing platforms and jetties

5.1 PONTOONS AND FLOATING WALKWAYS – GENERAL

See later sections for specific guidance on pontoons (5.2), floating walkways (5.3) and jetties (5.4). 5.1.1 Pontoons and floating walkway – definitions

Pontoon – means a gangway-access pontoon (and not a floating walkway). The primary design purposes for pontoons include:

vessels (including deeper draught vessels) berthing for a limited time to pick up or set down passengers or stores

access by tenders to shore from larger vessels as a queuing facility for boat ramps.

Floating walkway – means a multi-modular facility located on and extending from a concrete ramp and not requiring a gangway or access span. Floating walkways are primarily to service trailerable craft at public boat ramps as queuing facilities during boat launching and recovery.

5.1.2 Provision of pontoons and floating walkways – guideline

The department may provide public pontoons and floating walkways to meet the needs of the recreational boating public.

The department recognises the utility, popularity and improved safety offered by pontoons and floating walkways and will install them more often as funds allow on a state-wide basis. Pontoons or floating walkways will be considered where:

funds are available

the site is suitable in terms of current, storm wave action, vessel wash, and shelter

a higher level of service is warranted, such as at high-usage or multi-lane sites

a significant safety issue exists at a high use site

Where a site is marginal for consideration of a landing, a gangway-access pontoon can be designed for greater wave climates than a floating walkway.

5.1.3 Pontoon and floating walkway design – guideline

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The department provides pontoons and floating walkways, which are designed on the basis of best long term value for money for public investment and the closest approach to 25 years or greater design life, with minimised maintenance and midlife refurbishment costs.


The department has divided potential sites for pontoons and floating walkways into three design categories:

those that are permanently sheltered from both significant wind waves and large boat washes, such as in marinas and small enclosed harbours

those that are sheltered from significant wind waves and large boat washes, but are subjected to strong cross currents, flood loadings and potential debris loadings, such as in rivers and estuarine systems

those that are in exposed locations and experience significant storm wave action either directly or by wave/swell refraction such as in open inlets/estuaries, and on exposed coastlines.

5.1.4 Pontoon and floating walkway design – standard The pontoon or floating walkway should be designed in accordance with relevant clauses from Australia Standards: AS 3962 – 2001 Guidelines for the Design of Marinas AS 4997 – 2005 Guidelines for the Design of Maritime Structure The design life of the pontoon or floating walkway should be a minimum of 25 years, taking into account scheduled maintenance. The design life should account for durability and material type selection and designed not to be subject to damage in extreme wind and wave conditions likely to be experienced once or more in any 25 year period. When selecting a supplier, preference will be given to designs which have a protracted period of maintenance-free operation for moving parts. For instance, joiners between floating walkway modules should be extremely robust and long lasting. The standards for durability (design life) are the same for all three categories (see 5.1.3 above). However the design standard for more open sites will require significantly more robust structures, higher stability performance, potentially greater freeboard, and heavier duty working parts. The design should address safety issues for small children near moving parts. 5.1.5 Pontoons and floating walkways – engineering specifications For details of specifications and standards for supply by contractors, refer to the department specification documents for design of floating walkways and pontoons. These documents may be customised to particular sites and tenders for supply. 5.1.6 Assessing pontoon and floating walkway design tenders

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Once site conditions and service requirement have been determined, safety, stability, utility, functionality, durability, robustness, fire resistance, minimised maintenance, and long term life-cycle costs (including replacement) will be the prime factors taken into account by the department when specifying or when assessing tenders for pontoons and floating walkways.


When designing pontoons and floating walkways or assessing tendered designs, the department will consider the following:

The facility will have high levels of utility, functionality, stability and safety from a public user perspective taking into account the boating and fishing public, casual pedestrian users, and emergency response personnel and equipment.

On the basis that public facilities are expected to be provided permanently into the future, a prime design consideration will be long term life-cycle costs, including design life, forecast replacement cost and major maintenance costs.

The structure should be designed to withstand anticipated flood debris loads.

Pontoons and floating walkways will comply with relevant Australian standards including AS 3962-2001, AS 4997 – 2005 and any updated editions and relevant new standards. See 5.1.4 above.

5.1.7 Pontoon and floating walkway stability – design assessment

Stability performance will be assessed in various locations on the structure including:

deflection to external forces, including vertical weight, wave action and vessel impact

amplitude, roll, pitch and heave motions

the perceived human accelerations resulting from wave action or vessel impact including accelerations experienced by persons either stationary or walking on the pontoon or walkway or carrying a heavy weight and alighting from or stepping onto the pontoon or walkway (the reference standard is 0.5G acceleration for a 1 in 20 year wave climate occurrence)

design to withstand likely flood debris loads at the site

total floating module weight (whether inherent or through ballasting) and its contribution to stability via inertia will be a significant assessment factor

design assessment recognition that stability and accelerations are complex and include issues including module area, module orientation, overall weight (including construction materials or ballasting), piling, piling interval and proximity, the mechanical linkages between modules, and other factors

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Owing to departmental history of injury claims allegedly from pontoon and floating walkway movement, preference will be given to designs which offer optimal performance in terms of stability. The public expectation is high, in particular from persons not familiar with boats and moving platforms, and investment into more stable rather than less stable floating walkways and pontoons is justified.


5.1.8 Pontoon and floating walkway decking – standard The floating walkway, pontoon, and gangway decking (and any associated jetty decking) will be non-slip, robust, hard wearing, durable, corrosion resistant for its design life, and be resistant to spills of fuel and common solvents and is easily cleaned (from fishing waste). The decking will be stiff. That is, not deflect noticeably in response to point loads, and not distort with age. The decking will have a minimum 1.5 hour fire rating, such that emergency services personnel can continue to use it safely to access vessels alongside burning out of control. A lesser standard for fire rating applies to waling and fendering at the outer edges of floating walkway and pontoon decking, where all long lasting materials will be considered. Plastic (including rotomoulded LDPE) and timber will not be considered to meet these durability requirements for decking. Examples of suitable decking materials include concrete and non-slip aluminium but are not limited to these materials and may be of composite construction which performs to a similar standard. 5.1.9 Piling for pontoons and floating walkways – standard

Piles should be designed to exceed the design life of the pontoon or floating walkway with minimal or nil maintenance. Steel piles will be corrosion protected and polyurethane sleeved unless specified or agreed otherwise.

If the configuration of the pontoon or floating walkway includes a jetty section, piling standards for the jetty section will be specified on a case by case basis. 5.1.10 Pontoon and floating walkway site suitability – guideline

A wave study will be conducted, or be required to be conducted, if there is any doubt about the site’s suitability in relation to the proposed pontoon or floating walkway design, its robustness, or potential longevity. Waves to be considered in any wave study will include direct wind driven waves, refracted wind waves, refracted swell, scend (vertical rise and fall only), storm surge and vessel wash. For sites in doubt, the wave study will be conducted as part of the concept and feasibility stage, prior to accepting a proposal onto the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program.

In waterways liable to extreme flood events, the department may consider the risk too high for any floating structure. Compensating issues which may allow pontoons or floating walkways to be constructed in such waterways include:

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preference for gangway-access pontoons over floating walkways where the stream velocities may be high


robustness and history of the particular commercial products being considered for installation

consideration of the proximity to the waterway mouth and thus the limitation on potential flood height

as mentioned in 5.2.2 (Pontoons with gangway-access design standard), the ability of the pontoon or floating walkway to sink or float free (restrained by chain or wire)

Because of the need for responsible investment of public funds, pontoons and floating walkways will only be considered when the site is not prone to wave action which could damage the pontoon or floating walkway in extreme wind conditions likely to be experienced once or more in any 25 year period. Current and floods affecting utility, personal safety and structural integrity of any pontoon or floating walkway will be taken into account in assessing site suitability. In particular strong currents passing transversely beneath the working face of a floating walkway have proved dangerous and may be a reason for funding bid rejection. In flood-prone waterways, the design is to be engineered such that risk of damage is minimised during flood events and the facility manager has a contingency plan for flood events. 5.1.11 Pontoon and floating walkway abutment – standard

Any pedestrian ramp to the abutment should wherever possible be no steeper than 1 in 10.

The abutment height (and upper gangway hinge) where possible should be above Highest Astronomical Tide - to avoid inundation in most wave or meteorological surge conditions. Adjacent land height will be a consideration.

On a case by case assessment, abutment ramps should incorporate one or more handrails if there is a significant risk of injury from falling. Bollards may be positioned around the abutment to separate pedestrian traffic from vehicular traffic. Appropriate road safety advisory signage and line markings should be provided at the abutment to warn motorists and pedestrians. 5.1.12 Provision of fresh water on landings – guideline

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The department will provide fresh water on landings inside state-managed boat harbours.

Outside state-managed boat harbours the provision of fresh water on landings is encouraged and is the responsibility of the appointed manager.

Water outlets will usually be provided with some form of access restriction, such as key operation or a spring-loaded valve.


5.2 PONTOONS (WITH GANGWAY ACCESS) This section should be read in association with Section 5.1 (Pontoons and floating walkways – general). See Section 5.3 for specific guidance on floating walkways. 5.2.1 Provision of pontoons (with gangway access) – guideline The department may provide pontoons (with gangway access) at boat launching facilities or as pickup/set-down landings to meet the needs of the recreational boating public. They will be considered for prioritisation alongside other marine facility and infrastructure demand on a state-wide basis. 5.2.2 Pontoons (with gangway access) design – standard The pontoon should consist of a either a single module or a series of modules securely fastened. The pontoon should be restrained by piles and provide all-tide berthing to the front face of the pontoon. The rear face and ends of the pontoon where practicable should be suitable for securing dinghies and other small craft. Pontoon modules should be safe for all users, including anglers. The pontoon should be of solid, robust construction and designed according to site requirements, especially for instances where there are high maximum waves heights, and where there will be particular types of vessels using the pontoon, including commercial usage. Variables affecting design include, but are not limited to, tidal range, storm wave height (significant and highest in a 25 year period), sea fetch (distance of water over which the wind blows before reaching the pontoon), wave period, depth of water, seabed slope, vessel size, currents, seasonal wind direction and strength, vessel freeboard of all vessels likely to use the pontoon, fire resistance, pedestrian traffic along the foreshore, soil conditions, quay line constraints, debris loadings, flood heights, action required at flood times (sink, or float free to a chain), abutment placement, and disabled access (see 5.2.7 below). The pontoon should be designed for continuous operation under serviceability conditions with day to day impact from recreational vessels. It is not a requirement that the pontoon remains functional and operational during periods of extreme weather/flooding conditions. However it should be adequately secured to shore so that the pontoon and gangway will not break free from its location in such extreme events. And it should be robust enough to withstand physical damage during extreme weather and flood events. Access to the pontoon from the shore should be by a composite or aluminium truss gangway connected to a concrete abutment. The gangway should not be steeper than 1 in 8 at Lowest Astronomical Tide and not steeper than 1 in 10 for 80 percent of all tides (for pontoons in tidal waters). To achieve these maximum slope requirements, intermediate ramp systems, including ones on the deck of the pontoon, may be needed. Factors affecting gangway slope and length include:

tidal range

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abutment height


freeboard quay line constraints structural design – load distribution delivery transportation – sizes and weights other engineering considerations which add significant cost

Dependent on site complexity and option costs, a cost benefit analysis may be required. 5.2.3 Pontoons (with gangway access) lighting and lights – standard The pontoon (including gangway) should be lit to provide a low level of pedestrian lighting. Lighting should normally be solar-powered, and be robust, heavy duty, vandal resistant and of durable materials such as marine grade aluminium, 316 grade stainless steel, or robust composite. Where possible the lighting should be integrated with pilings or pile safety barriers. Where required by a harbour master or for other good reason, a navigation light may be provided for a pontoon. Where appropriate, AS1158.3.1-2005 Lighting for roads and public spaces will be complied with. 5.2.4 Pontoon (with gangway access) compartments – standard Generally there will be a requirement for a minimum of four compartments. 5.2.5 Pontoon (with gangway access) piles – standard Any piles that are on the seaward or end berthing faces should not protrude beyond the face. Piles may protrude from the landward face of the pontoon only. 5.2.6 Pontoons (with gangway access) impact resistance – standard Vessel impact will be specified for each pontoon depending on its intended usage. As a guide pontoons accessible from open waters will be expected to withstand continual service by vessels up to 20 tonnes berthing at 4 knots (2 metres/second), or higher if prevailing current conditions indicate. 5.2.7 Pontoon (with gangway access) disabled access – standard

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To the extent practicable (considering both physical and financial constraints or ‘hardship’) the department seeks to comply with standards and legislation for disabled access for pontoons. This means in practice that either compliance is maximised on a tidal time basis, or that daily periods of non-compliance with slope standards are minimised. Due to constraints at particular sites or where the degree of practical or financial ‘hardship’ is deemed too great, some pontoons will not fully meet disabled access standards.


The department seeks to maximise compliance with national disabled access guidelines wherever possible.

5.3 FLOATING WALKWAYS This section should be read in association with Section 5.1 (Pontoons and floating walkways – general), and as a subset of Chapter 3 (Boat launching and landing facilities – general). Floating walkways consist of modules, designed to sit on (and extend from) a concrete ramp surface at low tide, and float between restraining piles as the tidal level rise. 5.3.1 Provision of floating walkways – guideline The department may provide floating walkways (as queuing facilities during boat launching and recovery) to service trailerable craft at public boat ramps. The floating walkway should have high levels of utility, functionality and safety from a public user perspective – for boats and for pedestrian users. 5.3.2 Floating walkway design and configuration – standard Floating walkways should be flexible enough to accommodate the prevailing tidal range together with wave conditions, impact, and flood and debris loadings without compromising strength, robustness, stability and low maintenance working life. Floating walkway layout or configuration will vary according to site, in particular to account for such effects as natural seabed depths, intended usage, tidal range, minimisation of capital/maintenance dredging, current direction and strength, quay lines, vessel berthing and manoeuvring space for vessels approaching/departing the walkway and ramp, sufficient navigational clearance for vessels approaching nearby facilities or the shore, substrate composition, prevailing winds and waves, storm winds and waves, tidal surge, likelihood and potential height of floods, and predicted flood debris loadings. Floating walkways should be designed for continuous service with day to day berthing impact from trailerable vessels. The floating walkways will normally be constructed onto either:

a new or existing boat ramp

a new purpose-built widened section joining an existing boat ramp at the same slope as the ramp.

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Boat ramps normally have a slope of between 1 in 8 and 1 in 10. It is not a requirement for a floating walkway slope to meet the maximum disability access slope requirements of 1 in 14 as the slope of the floating walkway generally needs to match the slope of the boat ramp it rests on.


For practical reasons, it is not the department’s intention, except in special circumstances or where the site is naturally suitable, to specify the construction of shallower-sloped independent ramps for floating walkways. The width of the ramp for a floating walkway may:

for a new ramp, match the floating walkway width

for a new ramp, have a full lane width assigned to it

use up one lane of an existing ramp.

5.3.3 Floating walkway piling interval – standard Piling interval on floating walkways should be appropriate to the site, maximising stability and impact performance, and lessening movement resulting from wave action. An allowance will be made for any supplier choosing to reduce piling interval or place additional piles, such that it is not disadvantaged when assessing otherwise equal tenders for the supply of floating walkways. Piling should be designed to exceed the 25 year design life of the floating walkway with minimal or nil maintenance. Steel piles should be corrosion protected and polyurethane sleeved unless specified otherwise. 5.3.4 Floating walkway flotation modules and decking – standard

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Flotation modules supporting the robust decking on floating walkways should be designed and built to be heavy duty and resistant to abuse and vandalism, will be unsinkable even when punctured (normally foam filled), and may be made from any durable material, including rotomoulded plastic (LDPE). The module to pile interface robustness and wear performance are significant design criteria, as is the associated protection system to prevent injury and items from falling into the working gap. Module freeboard is to be appropriate to trailerable vessel usage and wave climate at the site – such that wind waves likely to be experienced on an annual basis will not slop solid water onto the walkway decking. All module materials should be high quality, appropriate for the marine environment and designed to meet or exceed the 25 year design life when exposed to site conditions A system of protection of the modules from wear against the ramp surface should be provided such that it is either an integral part of the structure for its design life, or should not need planned maintenance or replacement at less than ten year intervals.


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5.3.5 Floating walkway fendering and berthing – standard Floating walkway modules should be fitted with heavy duty fendering to accommodate berthing loadings and protect trailerable vessels from damage. Suitable berthing cleats should be spaced at a maximum of three metres along all berthing faces. See 5.1.8 on fire rating for fendering and waling materials. 5.3.6 Floating walkway light and lighting – standard The complete floating walkway should be lit to provide a low level of pedestrian lighting. The lighting should be solar-powered, and be robust, heavy duty, vandal resistant and of durable materials like marine grade aluminium, 316 grade stainless steel, or robust composite. Where possible the lighting should be integrated with pilings or pile safety barriers. Where required by a harbour master or for other good reason, a navigation light may be provided for a floating walkway. Where appropriate, AS1158.3.1-2005 Lighting for roads and public spaces will be complied with.

5.4 FISHING PLATFORMS Floating walkways and pontoons are often used as fishing platforms by the public. The use of facilities as fishing platforms provides an extra recreational benefit to the public. Use of floating walkways and pontoons as fishing platforms is at the discretion of the appointed manager. In general, boat use of floating walkways and pontoons should take priority over fishing. Appropriate signage can be installed as required by the facility manager (see section 2.6.4 on signage). The department encourages dual use of facilities as fishing platforms where appropriate to maximise recreational benefits to the public.


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5.5 JETTIES The construction of new jetties (including replacement jetties) for recreational boating usage does not rate a high priority for funding through the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program unless there are particular circumstances at the site – such as exposure to significant wave action. Pontoons and floating walkways are of greater utility and more popular with the recreational boating public. The department will continue to maintain existing legacy-owned jetties and will seek to transfer those used primarily for non-recreational boating purposes to other entities.


Chapter 6 – Dredging

6.1 DREDGING OF ACCESS CHANNELS – GUIDELINE Subject to economic feasibility the department will provide access channels to public marine facilities, including those in state boat harbours, assigned all-tide access to open waters status by the department. As circumstances warrant and funding permits, the department may occasionally dredge and maintain high use channels not associated with specific public marine facilities on the basis of benefit to the community. In these cases, the channel design depth will be appropriate to the proposed usage and in keeping with environmental and financial constraints, in particular the number of recreational vessels using the channel. Funding contribution from other entities may affect choice of channel design depth for such channels. The department will generally not provide new channels when designing or prioritising new public boat launching and landing facilities – unless it is deemed necessary in the particular circumstance and the benefit of such dredging outweighs the capital and recurring costs, and can be justified in relation to available funding and demand for other marine facilities and infrastructure state-wide. Environmental feasibility – including likelihood of obtaining statutory approvals – is a major consideration in the provision of channels. Dredging of the Main Channel between Moreton Bay and The Broadwater is an example of a high use channel bringing significant benefit to the community, with a large population base to support the investment. Prioritisation of funding for channel dredging will take into account:

the level of demand and practical channel usage

the greatest possible benefits to the recreational boating public

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projects where the benefits significantly outweigh the cost of initial and ongoing dredging.


6.2 DREDGING DEPTHS – STANDARD The choice of design dredging depths for a particular location will be made after consideration of the wave climate in the channel, channel bed material, under-keel clearance for the majority of vessels likely to use the access channel, and other site-specific issues such as length of channel, varying depth requirements along the channel, current, spoil disposal, dredging method, nature of the seabed, and funding contributions from other entities. Dredge design depths generally make an allowance for a margin for siltation through some degree of over-dredging. This is dependant on coastal processes, availability of suitable dredging plant, remoteness of the site, and seasonal constraints. In coastal waterways, where possible, there should be a manoeuvring basin with a minimum depth of 0.5 metres below lowest astronomical tide (LAT) at the toe of a boat ramp. This basin will normally be maintained through regular attention by the appointed manager utilising land-based equipment at low tide. The department will consider reimbursement where these land-based works are significant, and prior funding approval has been sought. Where specialised dredging plant is required the department will assess and consider funding on a case by case basis. For all-tide facilities the department seeks to provide channel access from the open sea to public marine facilities as follows: minimum of 0.5m below LAT for boat launching facilities minimum of 1.5m below LAT for jetties and pontoons serving non-

trailerable recreational vessels.

6.3 ONCE-OFF DREDGING FUNDING – GUIDELINE As circumstances warrant and funding permits, the department may occasionally provide once-off access channel dredging to public marine facilities without commitment to on-going maintenance dredging. This will be the default case unless agreed otherwise in writing with the appointed manager. That is, once-off dredging does not create permanent all-tide access status to open waters for a public marine facility.

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6.4 DREDGING TO ALL-TIDE FACILITIES OUTSIDE STATE-MANAGED BOAT HARBOURS – GUIDELINE At its discretion the department may assign all-tide status to open waters to selected boat ramps outside state-managed boat harbours and commit funds to maintenance dredging. In coastal waterways, a natural all-tide connection from boat ramps to deep water and then to the open sea is most desirable. If possible ramps should be so located. However, any change in waterway depths after the construction of a ramp will not commit the department to dredging.


6.5 DREDGING FOR COMMERCIAL USE – GUIDELINE Where channels are dredged for commercial support reasons to a greater depth than is required for the majority of recreational boats, the department may negotiate a contribution from interested parties. The dredging of access channels to meet the needs of large commercial vessels is not rated a high priority for funding from the Marine Infrastructure Capital and Maintenance Program, because the funding is sourced primarily from recreational boat registration fees.

6.6 DREDGING OF COASTAL CREEKS AND RIVERS – GUIDELINE

The department focuses its scarce dredging funds, drawn largely from recreational boat registration fees, on providing access to all-tide facilities in state boat harbours plus selected high-use channels elsewhere.

The dredging of coastal creeks and rivers is not normally feasible unless the river or creek constitutes a major trading port, or where the funding is provided by the port authority from shipping and commercial vessel levies. In such cases the port authority usually carries out the dredging.

Local governments may conduct dredging for any purpose, in particular for instances which do not rate a high priority for application of recreational boat registration funds by the state.

The dredging of channels through bars at the entrances of coastal creeks and rivers to provide access to public boat launching and landing facilities is a low priority for funds allocation and will not normally be provided. Nor will it normally be provided for all-tide access to or within creeks, rivers and lakes. This is because:

benefits gained in the short term are usually soon lost through siltation and shifting banks

the costs of initial capital dredging and ongoing maintenance dredging are prohibitive

there may be unacceptable environmental impacts on upstream waterway ecology – such as salinity penetrating further inland – meaning that environmental dredging approvals (and supply of suitable environmental offsets) are extremely difficult to arrange.

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Standard policy response to an external enquiry:

‘It is the policy of the Department of Transport and Main Roads to prioritise the dredging of access channels for marine facilities and infrastructure where the greatest possible benefit is provided to the boating public. This is not the case in certain locations, such as the entrance to rivers and coastal creeks, where sand banks shift and significant siltation is persistent. Because of these varying seabed conditions the benefits of expensive dredging works gained in the short term do not have a long lasting effect.’


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6.7 DREDGING INSIDE STATE-MANAGED BOAT HARBOURS – GUIDELINE

Dredging of leased areas in state-managed boat harbours is the responsibility of the tenure holder. Access channels to and within commercially owned or leased facilities will be provided and maintained by the facility owner or lessee, unless otherwise agreed with the department.

Lease documentation usually provides that the tenure holder, at their own cost and expense and in accordance with the tenure documentation, is obliged to: carry out any dredging within the tenure area to enable vessels using the facility

to navigate freely within those waters and the waters connecting from the tenure area to the main navigation channel or internal public channels

thereafter maintain such dredged areas dispose of the dredge material obtain relevant approvals before commencing the works.

Depending on the depths required and frequency of maintenance dredging, the department may enter into agreements with commercial users and facility managers to share dredging costs.

6.8 DREDGING OF ACCESS CHANNELS TO BEACH RAMPS – GUIDELINE

Access channels are not normally provided to open beach boat ramps. Beach access boat ramps are regarded as part-tide facilities.


Chapter 7 – dictionary and terminology Floating walkway means multi-modular facility located on and extending from a concrete ramp and not requiring a gangway or access span.

Pontoon means a gangway-access pontoon (and not a floating walkway).

Public marine facility is defined in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and means public marine transport infrastructure, including: land or waters associated with the infrastructure that are affected by its use land or waters specified for the infrastructure under a regulation made with the objective of

clarifying what are the land or waters associated with the infrastructure that are affected by its use. Examples:

an area of land and waters, specified under a regulation, that constitutes a boat harbour

breakwaters, jetties, landings, mooring piles, pontoons, car parks and land or waters affected by the use of the infrastructure.

Outside this plan and the Act, the term public marine facility has its ordinary English meaning – particularly for infrastructure not owned by the department.

Local law includes laws passed by local government and valid orders issued by port authorities

Marine infrastructure, public marine infrastructure, public marine facilities, marine infrastructure, public marine infrastructure and similar terms are used as the context requires, having their ordinary English meaning. Depending on context, such terms may include facilities and infrastructure not owned by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and may also include infrastructure such as dredged channels, breakwaters and revetments.

Boat launching and landing facilities are commonly referred to as public marine facilities (in the legislative sense of the term). However the eleven state boat harbours also constitute public marine facilities in their own right – in addition to boat launching and landing facilities within the harbours. Public marine facility, when used in this plan, has the legislative meaning listed above. Outside this plan, context defines whether the term has its legislative meaning or common English meaning.

Not all public marine facilities (in the general sense of the term) are associated with Department of Transport and Main Roads. Some public marine facilities are owned by local government, by inland impoundment managers, by other government departments, by resorts, by port authorities, and by clubs and other private entities.

Not all boating or marine infrastructure consists of boating facilities – for example dredged channels, breakwaters, revetments.

Not all appointed managers for departmentally owned public marine facilities are local governments or port authorities. Some are managed on behalf of the department by resorts.

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Appendix A – terms and conditions of appointment Standard Terms and Conditions for Management and Control of a Public Marine Facility

1. These Terms and Conditions shall be read in conjunction with the requirements of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 and the Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 as amended from time to time. Where any difference or doubt arises, the Act and Regulation shall prevail.

Definitions: (a) public marine facility means public marine transport infrastructure

(b) public marine transport infrastructure means state-owned or state-controlled transport infrastructure relating to Queensland waters, other than port or miscellaneous transport infrastructure

2. Attention is drawn to the requirements, as amended from time to time, of: a) Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (the Act)

459 – Appointment of manager of public marine facility 460 – Manager’s responsibility for maintenance and injuries 462 – Management by local government (local laws) 463 – Management by port authority 519 – Transitional – Appointment as manager under the Act applies where management of

facility was vested by Order in Council prior to the Act

b) Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 (the Regulation)

Division 1 – Management 5 – Manager appointed 6 – Condition of appointment 7 – Manager’s responsibilities for managing public marine facility Division 2 – Use of, and safety at, certain public marine facilities 8 – Application of Division 2 (applies only to boat ramps and landings) 9 – Using boat ramp or landing – penalties for misuse – load limits and signage

3. The Authority (i.e. council or port authority) shall: a) manage, control, supervise and administer the public marine facility

b) maintain the public marine facility (see the Act, Section 460 (1) and the Regulation, Section 7)

c) meet the costs of:

1) management, control, supervision and administration of the public marine facility

2) maintenance of the public marine facility subject to clause 7 of these Terms and Conditions (see Regulation, Section 7(1)(d)

3) maintenance of signage associated with the facility.

4. The authority shall (under the head of power provided by the Act, Section 462 or 463) make local laws for the management and control of the public marine facility, and the conduct of persons thereon, which local laws shall require (but not be limited to requiring) that:

a) If a boat ramp, it shall be available at all times for use by the public without charge for launching and retrieving of trailer-borne private recreational vessels;

b) If a landing, it shall be available at all times for use by the public without charge for the embarking and disembarking operations of private recreational vessels. The maximum staying time shall be determined and displayed on or near the landing;

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c) If a landing, and it provides a queuing facility for an associated boat ramp, it shall be available at all times for use by the public for launching and retrieving trailer-borne private recreational vessels at the associated boat ramp;


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d) A boat ramp or landing shall not be used for any other purpose except with the express permission of the Authority obtained beforehand. In particular, boat ramps and landings shall not be used by cranes without prior permission or above prescribed load limits;

e) The local laws shall refer to (and may extend) the acts prohibited under the Regulation, Sections 8 and 9 (Use of, and safety at, certain public marine facilities);

f) The manager shall determine whether a landing is to be accessible by vehicles and shall pass a local law to that effect and display the ban or maximum load by notice on or near the landing in accordance with the Regulation, Section 9(9) (Use of, and safety at, certain public marine facilities); and

g) The manager shall erect a sign stating the maximum load to be applied to a boat ramp. The maximum load shall be in accordance with the Regulation, Section 9(7) (Use of, and safety at, certain public marine facilities).

5. The Authority may (and is hereby authorised to) enter into agreements with third parties for the non-exclusive use of the public marine facility for commercial or other purposes, provided that:

a) If the public marine facility is a boat ramp the Authority shall not enter into an agreement for, or otherwise authorise or permit the use of the boat ramp for the loading or unloading of barges or for the taking on or discharge of cargo;

b) The Authority shall not enter into an agreement for the non-private usage of any public marine facility unless the approval in writing of the Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads of the agreement and its terms, conditions and duration is first obtained;

c) The said Director-General shall not approve the entering into of an agreement if, in his opinion, the entering into of the agreement would unreasonably impede or disturb the use of the public marine facility by the recreational boating public; and

d) The Authority may, as part of any such agreement with third parties, issue licences and charge fees. A portion of such fees may, as part of the Department of Transport and Main Roads approval conditions, be set aside for structural maintenance or eventual facility replacement.

6. The local laws made in accordance with clause 4 of these Terms and Conditions may provide for the imposition of fees for parking in a parking area provided by the Authority for use in conjunction with the public marine facility.

7. The Authority shall be entitled to claim and receive from the Department of Transport and Main

Roads reimbursement of the cost to the Authority of maintenance of the public marine facility, provided that:

a) the expenditure was incurred while local laws made in accordance with clause 4 of these

Terms and Conditions were in force;

b) the prior approval of the Department of Transport and Main Roads was obtained in relation to that expenditure;

c) the maintenance was of a structural nature necessary to repair or prolong the life of the public marine facility or to render it safe and effective for its purpose. Note: Reimbursable maintenance on the public marine facility does not include cleaning, the removal of silt, debris or algal growth or the operational cost associated with lighting or water supply;

d) the Authority has certified that the expenditure was actually incurred in relation only to the maintenance of the public marine facility and that no other claim has been made in respect of that expenditure; and

e) the proportion of the maintenance cost incurred by the Authority which shall be reimbursed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads shall be as agreed in writing between the Authority and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.


Appendix B – legislation extracts Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 Chapter 15 Public marine transport infrastructure Part 1 Public marine facilities

459 Appointment of manager of public marine facility (1) The Governor in Council may, by regulation, appoint a person (the manager) to manage a public marine facility. Examples of persons who may be appointed: a local government, a port authority, the chief executive or the person who is for the time being the manager of a resort

(2) The appointment may only be made if the person consents to the appointment.

(3) The appointment may be on conditions stated under the regulation, including the payment of a fee to the chief executive for moorings in the facility.

(4) Under a regulation, a condition may be changed if the manager consents to the change.

(5) However, the consent of the manager is not required to change the fee payable under a regulation to the chief executive for moorings in the facility.

(6) Subsection (3) does not limit the power to impose, under a regulation, fees for moorings in a public marine facility, whether or not a manager has been appointed to manage the facility.

460 Manager’s responsibility for maintenance and injuries, etc (1) The manager is responsible for maintaining the public marine facility in good condition to a standard appropriate to its use.

(2) The facility is taken, for the purposes of all adverse civil proceedings in relation to death, injury, damage or loss, to be solely owned, occupied and under the management, control and responsibility of the manager.

(3) However, subsection (2) does not apply to the extent any death, injury, damage or loss is attributable to a structural defect in the facility unless—

(a) the defect is attributable to the manager’s failure to—

(i) properly construct, extend or alter the facility in accordance with a sanction under a provision continuing to have effect under repealed section 236; or

(ii) properly maintain the facility; or

(b) the defect or its continuation is attributable to a contravention by the manager of the conditions of the manager’s appointment.

462 Management by local government If a local government is the manager of a public marine facility, the local government:

(a) has, for the facility, all the functions, powers and obligations of a local government under the Local Government Act 2009; and

(b) may make local laws and do anything it considers necessary or convenient for the facility’s effective and efficient management.

463 Management by port authority (1) If a port authority is the manager of a public marine facility, the port authority:

(a) has, for the facility, all the functions, powers and obligations of a port authority under chapter 8(b) may exercise its powers, and do anything it considers necessary or convenient for the facility’s effective and efficient management.

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http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/


519 Transitional—wharf or other harbour work (1) This section applies if management and control of a wharf or other harbour work was vested in a person under the repealed Harbours Act 1955, section 140 immediately before the commencement of this section.

(2) From the commencement, the person is taken to be appointed under section 459 as the manager of the public marine facility constituted by the harbour work (the facility).

(3) A provision of a by-law under the Local Government Act 1936, or local law, about the facility that was in force immediately before the commencement continues in force from the commencement until the manager makes a local law under section 462 that replaces, or is inconsistent with, the provision.

(4) A resolution of the board of a port authority about the facility that was in force immediately before the commencement continues in force from the commencement until the port authority takes action under section 463 that replaces, or is inconsistent with, the resolution.

(5) Despite subsections (3) and (4), an amount that immediately before the commencement was fixed under section 140(4A) of the repealed Harbours Act 1955 in relation to the facility continues to be fixed from the commencement until a fee is imposed, under section 466 for the facility for any matter.

(6) A right, permit or licence granted under any of the following by-laws, that was in force immediately before the commencement, is taken from the commencement to be an approval granted by the chief executive as manager of the facility:

Bowen Harbour By-law 1977, by-laws 1, 2, 9 and 10 Mooloolaba Boat Harbour By-law 1976 Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour By-law 1980 Snapper Creek and Urangan Boat Harbours By-law 1976

Transport Infrastructure (Public Marine Facilities) Regulation 2011 Division 1 Management 5 Manager appointed An entity mentioned in schedule 1 is the manager of the public marine facility stated opposite the entity in the schedule.

6 Condition of appointment The appointment of a manager is on condition that the manager allow the public marine facility for which the manager is appointed to be used only-

(a) for a genuine, private, recreational boating purpose; or (b) for a commercial purpose with-

(i) the manager’s written approval; and (ii) the written consent of the chief executive.

7 Manager’s responsibilities for managing public marine facility (1) The responsibilities of a manager in managing a public marine facility include:

(a) replacing buoy moorings, pile moorings and dinghy racks in the facility (b) maintaining roads, parking areas, amenities and gardens in the facility (c) maintenance dredging in the facility other than dredging of channels to landings and boat ramps (d) all other aspects of managing the facility, including funding of maintenance unless otherwise agreed to by the chief executive.

(2) The responsibilities do not include replacing a public marine facility that is: (a) a boat ramp (b) a breakwater (c) a landing (d) a navigational aid

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(e) a revetment

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Division 2 Use of, and safety at, particular public marine facilities 8 Application of div 2 This division applies only to a public marine facility that is a boat ramp or landing.

9 Using boat ramp or landing (1) A person must not drive or stand a vehicle on a boat ramp other than to launch or retrieve a ship.

Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(2) A person launching or retrieving a ship at a boat ramp must do so as quickly as is reasonably possible.


(3) A person must not obstruct another person’s use of a boat ramp or landing. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(4) A person must not anchor, moor or place a ship in the water around a boat ramp or landing if it is likely to obstruct another person’s use of the boat ramp or landing.


(5) A person must not carry out maintenance or repairs to a ship on a boat ramp. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(6) A person must not carry out maintenance or repairs to a ship in the water around a boat ramp or landing, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.


(7) A person must not take or drive a vehicle on to a boat ramp if the mass of the vehicle and its load, if any, together with any trailer that the vehicle is towing and its load, if any, is more than-

(a) 5t (b) if the manager of the boat ramp erects on or near the ramp a notice approved by the chief executive and displaying a greater mass—the greater mass. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(8) A person must not take or drive a vehicle on to a landing. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.

(9) However, a person does not contravene subsection (8) if: (a) the manager of the landing erects on or near the landing a notice that:

(i) is approved by the chief executive (ii) authorises the taking or driving of a vehicle on to the landing for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (b) (iii) states the maximum mass of the vehicle and its load, if any, together with any trailer that the vehicle is towing and its load, if any, that may be taken or driven on to the landing

(b) the vehicle is taken or driven on the landing only to take goods or passengers to, or pick up goods or passengers from, a ship moored at the landing.

(10) A person must not take or drive on to a boat ramp or landing a vehicle, other than a vehicle that moves on wheels fitted with pneumatic or rubber tyres.

Maximum penalty for subsection (10)—20 penalty units.

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