New Clutha River boat ramp

1 August 2007

Alexandra's new Clutha River boat ramp on Dunorling St will serve recreational boaties well into the future says Paul Jackson, Land Information New Zealand Crown Property Manager.

The recently completed replacement ramp, built at a cost of $84,000, has been designed to avoid the problems caused by river scouring that affected the older ramp, says Mr Jackson.

"The ramp will meet the typical needs of recreational boaties and be less susceptible to erosion. Feedback from ramp users has been very positive," he says.

"Our contractor was approached by a large number of locals during the project, all with positive things to say about both the new orientation of the ramp and the overall facility that has been created," says Mr Jackson.

"The calm water behind the rock groyne in the immediate launching/loading area is particularly valued because it has made access on and off the ramp easier."

Gordon Stewart, chair of the Clutha Management Committee, says he is pleased the project has been completed. He says a committee member recently launched his canoe from the new ramp and was very impressed with the ramp's orientation.

The ramp design was approved by the Clutha Management Committee in September 2006 after ideas were incorporated from a working group of local boaties and engineers established by Central Otago District Council.

LINZ engaged an engineering firm with considerable marine engineering experience to design and manage construction of the ramp.

Mr Jackson says the area at the top of the ramp will be tidied up once the weather settles and the area dries out.

Media enquiries:

Dave Chowdhury
Senior Communications Advisor
DDI: 04 496 5402
Mobile: 027 222 9566
Email: dchowdhury@linz.govt.nz