Collaborative Effort Underway to Revitalize Bluff’s Iconic Boat Ramp

Boat enthusiasts eager to venture into the waters will soon benefit from a new boat ramp being constructed at the Bluff wharf.

This week, the marine contracting firm Sub Aqua Solutions began underwater installations, setting up the foundational piles that will support the upcoming ramp and pontoons. As part of the Bluff Tourism Masterplan, Invercargill City Council had previously pledged in its Long-term Plan to enhance the Bluff Boat Ramp. This initiative also encompasses the development of the Bluff Hill Active Recreation Precinct, which kicked off this month.

Erin Moogan, the Council Group Manager of Infrastructure, commented on the declining condition of the existing boat ramp, emphasizing its inadequacy for the diverse range of boats. Over the past year, the Council has been actively collaborating with local entities like the Bluff Yacht Club, Recreational Fishermen, and Southland Trailer Yacht. Their collective efforts aim to understand user requirements and ideate a design that caters to all.

The proposed design boasts an extended boat ramp flanked by two resilient floating pontoons capable of enduring all weather conditions. Expressing her excitement, Moogan remarked, “The inception of this project is exhilarating. We’ve been in talks with the Bluff community about this for some time, and witnessing its progress brings immense joy. I’m confident that upon completion, many will eagerly utilize this facility.”

Engineering consultancy Offshore & Coastal Engineering Ltd is currently refining the boat ramp’s design. Nonetheless, foundational work like pile installation and the setting up of watertight retaining structures underwater has commenced.

Gratefully acknowledging the community’s patience, Moogan added, “We’re aware of the anticipation surrounding the new boat ramp. I’m optimistic about its potential to attract boat enthusiasts from across the nation, allowing them to explore the wonders of Southland, both terrestrial and aquatic.”

The upcoming floating pontoons will be equipped with safety lights, electrical outlets, and fresh water taps. Designed to endure Southland’s challenging weather, these pontoons will float, adjusting with the tide’s ebb and flow, as noted by Butcher.

Although the boat ramp will largely remain operational during construction, occasional brief closures might be necessary to ensure public safety. Invercargill City Council is currently evaluating tender applications for tasks like steel pontoon construction, jetty fabrication, and installation. The selected candidate is anticipated to commence work in early November. The project’s first phase, encompassing pontoons and gangways, is slated for completion in early 2024.