Work has started on major repairs to five jetties on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra, to enable them to be reopened for community use.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the start of work, which had been delayed due to COVID, follows earlier community consultation.
"Jetties to undergo repairs under the first stage of Crown Land's $1.7 million upgrade program include Old Merinda Wharf, Tuggerah Bay Jetty, Koonawarra Bay Jetty, and Purry Burry Point Jetty," Mrs Pavey said.
"Work will include replacement of structural elements as needed, such as headstocks, joists, decks and other fittings, to ensure the jetties are structurally sound for public use.
"Lake Illawarra is an important recreational location for the region and these improvements will reopen key maritime structures for boating, fishing and sightseeing."
Crown Lands is also currently seeking community input to finalise design options for stage two upgrades that will follow to Dix's Wharf and Kanahooka Boat Ramp jetties.
Online surveys are open for community submissions until 30 September 2021, with feedback used to inform final decisions on preferred designs.
Separately, work is continuing on the King Street jetty and boat skid ramp upgrade at Warrawong following some delays due to COVID Public Health Order restrictions.
Despite the minor delay, it is expected work will be completed in time for the jetty to reopen to the public this summer, pending any further impacts.
Additional work on the lake foreshore at Northcliffe Drive at Warrawong, including upgrades to the markets' car park, and improvements to fencing in the area are also now completed, with plans underway to install security cameras.
The King St jetty structures' upgrades and Northcliffe foreshore works are funded by a separate $2.5 million investment by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Property and Development NSW division.
