Official Opening Triabunna Marina Extension and New Boat Ramp

The Triabunna Marina extension and new boat ramp were officially opened by The Hon. Rene Hidding MP, Minister for Infrastructure on Saturday the 28th of March as part of the Seafest 2015 festival.

Four years ago the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council decided that it could no longer wait for others to come to the area and invest in the development of the Triabunna region, something had to be done. With the slowing down of the local economy and the subsequent collapse of the forestry industry, the Council decided to act to help restore confidence in the area and stimulate some growth. The Triabunna Marina development was born.

Council’s role in driving economic growth has been vital in the Spring Bay area and an important one in the Triabunna township and community, given the absence of major private investors until recently.

Acting Mayor Arnol said:
“Council has a vision for Triabunna as the boating hub of the East Coast for both commercial and recreational marine activities and the Triabunna Marina development is a vital part of achieving this vision. The development caters for both increased commercial and recreational boating activity and the aim is to bring other marine related industries and businesses to the area.”

Minister Hidding acknowledged the former Mayor of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, Clr Bertrand Cadart, the General Manager David Metcalf and the previous Council for their vision in taking on this development to stimulate growth in the township of Triabunna.

The Triabunna Marina development has been planned in 4 stages. This was the opening of Stage 1 & 2, which involved an extension of the marina berths and construction of the new all tide, 4 lane public boat ramp. There were 27 marina berths as part of Stage 1 and Stage 2 has seen the construction of an additional 22 recreational berths plus the capacity for an additional 2 berths for visitors and 7 commercial berths.

The construction of the new all tide, 4 lane public boat ramp was funded by MAST and is to be managed and maintained by Council. Council has constructed the new vehicle parking facility at the boat ramp. Minister Hidding informed all those present at the official opening that the new Triabunna boat ramp is the second largest in Tasmania and offers the largest parking facilities of any boat ramp in the state. This will play a very important part in the reinvention of Triabunna into a boating and marine activity mecca.

Once the official opening had been completed, Minister Hidding, Mr Mark Shelton MP, Ms Lia Morris CEO of MAST and Acting Mayor Arnol rowed a wooden long boat, guided by Mission Afloat coordinator Allister Martin, to view the new boat ramp from the water.

The future stages of the development will involve further marina extensions and a private developer plans to build boatel apartments within the next 1-2 years.
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council Acting Mayor Cheryl Arnol