A refusal by the State Labor Government to dredge One Mile Creek means Cardwell will once again miss out on another economically lucrative tourist season, said Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto in his latest release.
Almost nine months after Mr Dametto brought representatives from Port Hinchinbrook mortgagee Sino, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and maintenance firm Norship Marine to Cardwell for a discussion on how to restore Port Hinchinbrook to its former glory, the government refuses to give the town much-needed all-tidal access.
“I believe the government has a responsibility to all Queenslanders to properly maintain its state-owned waterways, ” Mr Dametto said.
“They need to stop hiding behind an antiquated conformed deed which states dredging is the responsibility of Port Hinchinbrook’s developer. Cardwell is suffering because of this inaction by the government.”
Mr Dametto also added that a lack of all-tidal access was hindering visitation to the area, which meant local businesses continued to struggle.
“Cardwell residents are sick and tired of being in the doldrums. The town survives on tourism from grey nomads and international visitors, both of which are being stifled, ” he said.
“On top of that, you have a serious safety issue where Cardwell’s Coast Guard vessel has been left unable to respond to any potential vessels in distress on multiple occasions during low tide.
“It’s time Labor realized that and stopped holding the people of Cardwell to ransom.”
At present, boaties need about a 1.7m tide to leave Port Hinchinbrook and One Mile Creek safely, a full meter more than outside the creek entrance.