The Queensland Government is progressing planning for improved boating infrastructure on the Noosa River. The informal Doonella boat ramp on Hilton Esplanade, Tewantin, has been identified as the preferred location for the project, which aims to improve boating access and support current and future recreational boating demand.

The proposed project includes a new two-lane boat ramp, floating walkway and pontoon, formalised car and trailable parking bays, and proposed traffic and access changes.

We're inviting residents, local and visiting boaters and other users of the Noosa River to review two proposed concept design options and provide feedback on their preferred option.

Feedback received during consultation will be considered alongside technical requirements, environmental considerations and other planning requirements before a preferred concept design is finalised.

Maritime Safety Queensland is seeking community feedback on two proposed concept design options for the Hilton Esplanade Boat Ramp Upgrade (Tewantin).

Both options include:

• two-lane all-tide boat ramp
• floating walkway and pontoon
• 21 boat trailer parking bays
• 6 car parking bays
• 1 accessible car parking bay
• traffic and access changes
• dedicated rigging area.

The key difference between the two proposed options relate to vehicle access and traffic movements along Hilton Esplanade.

We want to hear from residents, boat ramp users, boaters and visitors about the proposed concept design options.

Your feedback will help inform development of the preferred concept design.

We'd like to hear your views on:

• which proposed option you prefer and why
• traffic access and vehicle movements
• boat trailer parking and facility functionality
• safety and accessibility
• local opportunities and issues that should be considered
• any other feedback on the proposed concept designs.

Community consultation closes Sunday 1 November 2026.

Option 1 includes a new turning facility at the eastern end of Hilton Esplanade and would remove through-access along Hilton Esplanade.

Under this proposed option, vehicles accessing the boating facility would enter and exit via Earl Street. This approach is designed to direct boat ramp-related traffic away from the remainder of Hilton Esplanade and help minimise impacts on local residents, while continuing to provide access to the upgraded boating facility.

Option 2 retains through-access along Hilton Esplanade, similar to the current road arrangement.

Under this proposed option, drivers could continue to access the boating facility via Earl Street or through other connecting streets from Hilton Terrace. Retaining through-access may support greater access flexibility and maintain existing traffic movements through the area.

However, boating-related traffic would continue to travel along Hilton Esplanade, which may result in greater traffic impacts for local residents compared with Option 1.

Feedback received during consultation will be considered alongside technical, environmental and operational requirements, and will help inform development of the preferred concept design.

The preferred concept design will be finalised following consultation and will guide the next steps for the project, including completion of the design and preparation for construction.

A summary of consultation outcomes will be published following consultation, and the community will continue to be updated as the project progresses.