Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Liberal Government's vision to transform the Port of Eden into a thriving maritime precinct and cruise destination is taking shape with the construction of a $32 million wave wall at Snug Cove.
"The South Coast Boating Network Plan identifies investment opportunities to revamp existing boating infrastructure and services that support marine tourism at 17 of the region's waterways," Mr Fitzpatrick said.
"This plan is supported through the NSW Government's $205 million Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus Program and the Boating Now Program which has delivered more than 330 projects since it began in 2014.
"Eden has already been identified as a significant investment location to support not only the cruise industry but also commercial fishing, tourism and recreational boating in NSW. The delivery of major projects such as these will help further unlock the Sapphire Coast's tourism potential."
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the 366-metre-long wave attenuator on the NSW far South Coast, due to be completed within the next few days, marks another major milestone in the transformation of the Port of Eden.
"This is an engineering feat which required mega purpose-built marine construction equipment and materials to build this game-changing maritime asset," Mr Elliott said.
"The purpose of the wave attenuator is to deliver a safe harbour for commercial boats, private vessels and maritime infrastructure by providing protection from high winds and wave conditions.
"Providing a safer harbour will not only enhance Eden's reputation as a first-class boating destination but will also stimulate local investment in the community's maritime and tourism sectors and boost the local economy.
"The design of the wave wall was developed based on extensive site-specific wave data, weather history, environmental and geotechnical conditions plus ship and vessel simulations."
Projects that have already been funded through these programs include:
- repairs to the Wollongong Harbour Slipway to enable continued operation
- a new Kayak launch and pontoon at Shell Harbour Marina
- an upgrade of the Woolamia and Myola Boat Ramp facilities, near Jervis Bay
- a new boat ramp precinct at Lake Conjola
- an upgrade of the boat ramp facility at Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay
- an upgrade of the Narooma Town Wharf
