Local anglers should gather their fishing rods, fuel up their tinnies and prepare for launch following the official opening of Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) new Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp at Boynedale Bush Camp today.
GAWB Chief Executive Officer, Darren Barlow, was joined by members of the Burgess family and Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, to open the new facility.
Mr Barlow said the boat ramp was named in recognition of Trevor Burgess, a passionate Lake Awoonga angler who passed away in 2020.
“Trevor dedicated himself to the promotion of Lake Awoonga fishing, regularly participating in our annual Lake Awoonga fish restocking program, hosting fishing information nights, and even creating the Awoonga Alliance Facebook group, where he willingly shared his knowledge far and wide,” Mr Barlow said.
“Trevor was well known for his generosity and contribution to the region’s fishing community, so it’s fitting for GAWB to honour him in this way. We’re indebted to Trevor for his tireless work, not only promoting Lake Awoonga over the years, but also for raising awareness of our fisheries program.
“I couldn’t think of a more special tribute than naming it the Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp and we encourage the Gladstone community and visitors from far and wide to come and try their hand at catching an Awoonga Barramundi in his honour.”
Trevor’s wife, Lori, said the entire Burgess family was immensely proud to see Trevor recognised permanently at the boat ramp.
“Trevor spent hours promoting, educating and fishing at Lake Awoonga and was well-regarded as someone who loved sharing his fishing knowledge with others,” Mrs Burgess said.
“Trevor was an advocate for all things Awoonga, its beauty, its serenity, and especially its fishing, so I have no doubt that he would be truly humbled by the recognition bestowed open him today.
“Trevor advocated for a boat ramp at Boynedale Bush Camp for many years and would have been so thrilled to see it become a reality.”
Mr Butcher said the opening of the Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp will provide visitors with a safer and more accessible location to launch their boats at Boynedale Bush Camp, encouraging increased recreational fishing and watercraft use in the area.
“The development and construction of the Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp represents a $1.07 million investment in the region, so we’re delighted to see it built and ready for public use,” Mr Butcher said.
“Lake Awoonga is a must visit destination for world-class recreational Barramundi fishing and this boat ramp will no doubt enhance the lifestyle of Central Queenslanders.
“It is also important to me personally that Trevor is remembered as he was a work colleague and mate of mine.”
The delivery of the Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp is part of GAWB’s Lake Awoonga Recreational Strategy and Master Plan, a $7 million investment into outdoor recreation projects which was developed after consultation with the community. An access track and hardstand area have also been constructed as part of the project.
Each year GAWB stocks Lake Awoonga with thousands of Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Sea Mullet fingerlings in accordance with their Environmental Impact Statement.
As part of their commitment to recreational fishing, GAWB have released six unique ‘pink tagged’ Barramundi into the Lake, which are worth $1,000 each if caught.
Boynedale Bush Camp is provided free to the public, offering a composting toilet, fire pits, picnic tables and shelters, and is located approximately a 45-minute drive from Gladstone Central.
For more information about the Boynedale Bush Camp boat ramp and fishing at Lake Awoonga, visit www.gawb.qld.gov.au.
