An $850,000 upgrade to the Cooktown wharf in Cook Shire Council has begun with the replacement of decking panels.
The project, partly funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, will replace the existing timber decking with composite fibre planks with a century-long lifespan.
“This will result in heavily reduced maintenance costs,” Cook Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Stephen Wilton said.
“That area will be a high risk construction site, and completely off limits to the public, we expect from late this year until about February 2015, while the new wharf decking is constructed onsite.”
Council has maintained public access to the wharf, however parking at the site is limited.
The floating pontoon at the Cooktown wharf has already been upgraded, with new composite fibre pylons with a 100-year lifespan.
The pylons were also positioned to prevent damage to the pontoon hinges and prevent costly repairs, and the pontoon walkway has been installed directly from the shore to maximise berthing spaces.
