Swansea Channel Dredging
The second of two stages of dredging of Swansea Channel was finished earlier this year, delivering a safer and more reliable route for boaters accessing Lake Macquarie. The two-stage operation, which began nearly a year ago, has successfully cleared about 30,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel.
The dredged sand was placed on Elizabeth Island, a move aimed at creating favourable habitats for shorebirds while also managing invasive species such as Bitou Bush. Environmental safeguards will continue as NSW Martime monitor the area, ensuring that both ecological balance and navigational safety are maintained.
As the summer boating season begins, attention has shifted to Stage 3 for this waterway, NSW Martime are developing a 10-year Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Swansea Channel. The REF will be on display for community feedback later this year and forms part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to maintain access to key coastal waterways.
Tea Gardens Jetty and Boat Ramp Upgrade
The new and improved Tea Gardens jetty and boat ramp is now open to the public. The upgrade has improved access and safety for boat users, just in time for the boating season. Transport for NSW’s Boating Now program provided about $507,000 for the project which included:
- jetty maintenance work
- widening and lengthening the boat ramp and the installation of a floating centre pontoon
- carpark and lighting work
Brierleys’ Boat Ramp, Moruya
Transport for NSW’s Boating Now program contributed $700,000 to upgrade Brierley’s Boat ramp in Moruya. Eden Shire Council delivered the work and created an upgraded and culturally sensitive marine facility that not only enhances accessibility, aesthetics and the overall quality of the area’s amenities, but also honours its Aboriginal heritage. The improved boating facilities include:
- new fish cleaning tables, lighting and restroom facilities
- boat engine flushing station
- new sealed carpark that accommodates 3 30 trailers and 13 car spaces
- picnic shelter with BBQ area, table and seats
- Aboriginal cultural heritage educational signage explaining the history of the site.
Kamay Wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell are now open!
The Kamay Wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell are now open, enhancing public access to one of Sydney’s most beautiful and historically significant areas. Accessibility was a key focus, with features like lowered handrails in fishing areas to ensure inclusivity.
The wharves have been designed for multiple uses including short term drop-off and pick-up berthing facilities for commercial and recreational vessels, safe areas for fishing, gathering places with seating and shade to learn about stories of Country, to rest, interact and take in the beautiful views. The design blends simplicity with cultural significance, incorporating artwork that reflects the area’s deep connection to Country.
Enjoy the new wharves and for more information please visit the Kamay Wharves webpage or read the latest Community Update.
Go for launch! New accessible kayak facility now open in Liverpool
A new kayak launch facility is officially open at Liverpool’s Light Horse Park, providing easy paddlecraft access to the natural wonders of the upper Georges River. Attended by representatives of the NSW Maritime and the Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) this project was supported by the NSW Government and delivered by Liverpool City Council, the accessible facility is the first of its kind in Greater Sydney.
The new dock sets a groundbreaking standard for accessibility on the water, giving water enthusiasts a new gateway to a previously difficult to reach part of the river above the Liverpool weir. This is just phase one of the redevelopment of Light Horse Park, which will transform the area into a vibrant, inclusive and modern community space.
At the opening Uncle Craig shared a traditional greeting: “Warami lagari Lavanya” (meaning “hello, good to see you”) acknowledged they were meeting on the boundary of Dharug land and connected the new facility to the long-standing Indigenous relationship with the river and land, while emphasizing shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.
Speaking at the opening was the Mayor of Liverpool Council Ned Mannoun, who referred to the Historical and Cultural Context and the$1 million investment went into this facility from “Boating Now and the Western Sydney Infrastructure partnership”, part of a larger $40 million fully-funded plan for the park area.
Charishma Kaliyanda MP (Member for Liverpool) who spoke about her personal connection growing up in nearby apartments and used the park as a child and emphasising personal connection to the area and understanding of how important the facility will be for local families. Liesl Tesch MP (Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Member for Gosford on the Central Coast), herself a seven-time Paralympic Games participant, two-time gold medal winner praised the facility as “the first of its kind in Australia”, emphasized importance of making water accessible to everyone, explained her role is to ensure all government portfolios are inclusive
Dylan Littlehales (Paralympic Kayaker) stated he has “never seen a facility quite like this” as he was used to traversing giant steps at other places. Also, in attendance was Mrs Tina Ayyad, MP Holsworthy Electorate
