WESTERN Australia's Regional Development Minister, Brendon Grylls, announced work had begun on the $2.2million State Government Royalties for Regions-funded Tantabiddi Boat Ramp in Exmouth, another milestone under the $150million Gascoyne Development Plan.

Grylls said upgrades were urgently required to the existing ramp, which provided access to the popular Ningaloo Reef, in order to assist the region’s growth of recreational boating and tourist-related charter vessel industries.

“Once completed, the current single lane boat ramp will be replaced with a modern two-lane facility to accommodate bigger vessels and other recreational boats, as well as two finger jetties to ensure the safety of the passengers,” he said.

“Tantabiddi is a key access point in the region to Western Australia’s unique whale shark experience, making these works essential to the local economy given there are multiple commercial and recreational attractions.

“The current ramp is not adequately sized to meet demand and has substantial erosion and structural damage caused over the years by several cyclones.”

North West MLA Vince Catania said the construction of the new ramp would lead to increased access and improved safety in the launching and retrieval process for recreational boat users, as well as providing a formal pick-up and drop-off point for visitors boarding charter vessels.