Redland City Council has started work on a new pontoon to replace the previous one that broke away from the Victoria Point Boat Ramp during the cyclonic winds recently experienced in the Redlands.

Mayor Karen Williams said the boat ramp had remained open (without the pontoon) for recreational boating, and that when possible, one lane of the two lanes will still be accessible during the construction period.

“Preparations are now being made for the installation of four new piles to secure the new pontoon,” Cr Williams said.

“Two piles can be reached by land when tides allow, but the two seaward piles will need to be put in place by a piling barge when the weather clears.

“We expect this to take place early next week, weather permitting.”

The exact measurements needed to build the new pontoons will only be known when the piles are in place.

Cr Williams said many Redland residents and visitors would be keen to get out on the water come Easter time, so Council was aiming to have the new pontoon built and installed for the long weekend.

“But this is a very exposed site when there are high winds and waves in the bay, so the weather will dictate our progress. Safety is our first priority,” she said.

Changes to the accessibility of the Victoria Point Boat Ramp during the construction period will be updated on the signage already at the ramp, and via Council’s Facebook account and online at www.redland.qld.gov.au.