Funding for six boating infrastructure projects on the Far South Coast

From left: Andrew Monk, Arlo Ireland, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, Ray Londsdale, Alex Burrell and Peter Harvey. Photo: Alex Rea.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance has announced $2.48 million in NSW Government funding to support Bega Valley Shire Council and Eurobodalla Shire Council plans for six new boating infrastructure projects around Bega.

Speaking in Moruya on Friday, 24 July, Mr Constance said the projects from the two councils represent six of 69 successful projects allocated grant funding under the NSW Government’s $28 million investment in round three of the NSW Boating Now program which supports infrastructure initiatives to improve boating access, amenities and safety for NSW boaters.

“Maritime infrastructure is an essential enabler for recreational boaters, important coastal industries and foreshore experiences for locals and visitors,” he said.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Liz Innes said, “We have been doing so much work out here. We are delighted with the announcement today.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Liz Innes at Brierleys Boat Ramp on the Moruya River. Photo: Alex Rea.

The new round of NSW Boating Now funding will allow local councils, boating and community groups, and private sector organisations to deliver new or upgraded boating infrastructure, including boat ramps, jetties, wharves, car and trailer parking, dinghy storage racks and sewerage pump-outs.

The six projects will include:

• Rebuilding the existing three-lane boat ramp, a pontoon extension and car park upgrade at Bermagui Harbour on the Bermagui River.
• Building a new three-lane boat ramp and upgrading the pontoon and access road at Pambula Lake boat ramp at Broadwater on Pambula Lake.
• Building a 30m boat rigging bay; upgrading the boat wash-down area with improvements to the pavement and an additional tap; extending the southern pontoon; and upgrading signage and lighting at Hanging Rock boat ramp at Batemans Bay on the Clyde River.
• Replacing the existing pontoon with a new pontoon at Apex Park boat ramp at Narooma on the Wagonga Inlet.
• Installing line marking and lighting; upgrading signposting; improving the boat wash-down bay and the existing rock wall between the boat ramp and jetty at the Mossy Point boat ramp at Mossy Point on the Tomaga River.
• Building a new pontoon, toilet facilities and lighting, as well as upgrading car parking and installing a pollutant trap at Brierleys Boat Ramp at Moruya on the Moruya River.

“The program is funded from boating licence and registration fees which are reinvested back into initiatives that improve boating for local communities,” said Mr Constance.

“We are offering delivery partners up to 25 per cent of the grant value up front to help fast-track the planning and delivery of projects to stimulate local economies.

“As part of the new round of funding, $2 million has been set aside for boating infrastructure to be repaired quickly following damage caused by severe weather events such as storms and bushfires.

“The remaining funding will be allocated to priority infrastructure outcomes identified in the 2018 NSW Maritime Infrastructure Plan, which provides strategic guidance for investing in maritime infrastructure, with the outcomes that are receiving funding to be announced later this year.”

Boating Now also contributes to achieving outcomes for the 10-year NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy to coordinate management of the marine estates in the state.

The Boating Now round-three allocation is in addition to $70 million in investment since the program commenced in 2015.

Below: The director of the NSW Government’s Centre for Maritime Safety, Peter Harvey, talks about the Boating Now program.