10 December 2021

Far South Coast boat ramps getting upgrades to improve safety for water lovers

| Albert McKnight
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Boat ramps at Bermagui Harbour

Boat ramps at Bermagui Harbour (left) and Pambula Lake are getting upgrades. Photos: BVSC.

Concept designs for upgrades to boat ramps at the Bermagui Harbour and Pambula Lake have been released to the public, with the works expected to start next year.

The upgrades are being funded by the NSW Government and Bega Valley Shire Council, with about $900,000 being spent on each project.

“The Bermagui Harbour boat ramp is one of the shire’s busiest boat ramps, with hundreds of visitors taking part in fishing competitions or enjoying the fabulous waters off Bermagui,” council’s manager of leisure and recreation John Grady said.

“The Pambula Lake (Broadwater) boat ramp is also constantly used by locals and visitors, as well as commercial operators including oyster farmers, abalone and urchin harvesters and commercial fishermen.

“The projects will significantly improve the function and safety of the boat ramps and provide up-to-date facilities for locals and visitors alike.”

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Mr Grady said the next step was to seek endorsement from the new council following the the local government elections earlier this month, for the concept designs early next year and then go out to tender for construction.

“While the boat ramps will need to close during construction, we’re aiming to undertake the work mid-year during the quieter months to minimise the disruption, and a temporary boat ramp will be available at Pambula for commercial operators,” he said.

The upgrade at Bermagui Harbour plans to replace the existing boat ramp with a three-lane reinforced concrete ramp as well as add a new pontoon to improve accessibility and capacity, while the existing pontoon will remain.

The car park area will also be resurfaced and the lighting will be upgraded.

At Pambula Lake, the plans are to replace the existing boat ramp with a two-lane reinforced concrete ramp, to build a new gangway and pontoon to improve accessibility and capacity, an all-abilities access ramp and kayak launching area as well as make upgrades to the exit road and lighting.

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The works are expected to be carried out around July to September 2022 and the ramps will be closed for about three months.

Boat users can launch at the Bermagui River boat ramp during construction as well as at Quarantine Bay boat ramp, which is about 18 km south of the Pambula Lake ramp.

Visit council’s website to view the concept designs for Bermagui Harbour and Pambula Lake’s boat ramps.

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