Why fishing now easier at this top spot

Coast guard, fishing and boating enthusiasts are set to benefit from a new public pontoon that has been completed on a stunning Sunshine Coast waterway.

With summer well and truly on the way, Sunshine Coast Council has replaced the well-used Maloja Pontoon at Tripcony Lane, Caloundra.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council had replaced the ageing pontoon on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage with a new, more accessible one.

Cr Landsberg said the new 12 x 4 metre pontoon featured a much more modern design, including a durable concrete deck that was perfect for fishing and boating.

“Council is really pleased to deliver this project, investing $220,000 in partnership with the Queensland government, which provided assistance through an $80,000 Fishing Infrastructure Grant, funded by the Commonwealth Government,” Cr Landsberg said.

“We’re proud to provide and maintain vital community facilities like the Maloja Pontoon, which contribute to our active lifestyles here on the Coast.

“When developing the final design we asked our community what type of structure would best suit their needs, conducted a detailed site investigation, and completed a review to ensure we offered best value for the investment.

“A modified design to the new pontoon provides a gentler sloping gangway of 14 x 1.8 metres that improves accessibility for all users, especially at low tide.”

Coast Guard Caloundra Flotilla Commander QF4 Roger Pearce said the new pontoon and walkways would be safer to negotiate.

“We are 100 per cent supportive of the new pontoon as the new design will alleviate many issues that had developed over the past years,” Mr Pearce said.

“In the end the old pontoon became more waterlogged and was no longer fit for purpose.”

Mr Pearce said the Coast Guard used the Maloja Pontoon mainly on weekends and appreciated the more accessible pontoon and walkways.

“Our Coast Guard walkway has also been modified to bridge the two pontoons for easier access,” he said.

Cr Landsberg thanked the Caloundra community for their patience during the reconstruction works.

“I’m sure this new Maloja Pontoon will continue to be a popular spot for our community, boaties, water users and fishing enthusiasts well into the future,” Cr Landsberg said.