Narooma Commercial Wharf to be upgraded

The Narooma wharf is located at the entrance to the river just upstream after the dangerous bar.  Currently the space is leased out to commercial operators with a small section free for visiting vessels.  Usually one at a time.  While this is the incorrect allocation of space the majority of these vessel offer a great service to the locals and tourists who wish to visit the historic Montague Island, snorkel and swim in the area, as well as spend some time on the water at the island or further afield.

Some say that the establishment of the Marine Park sanctuary zones in this area greatly impacted the business dependent on visiting the local waters.  As many as 21 business went to the wall.  So what signal does this upgrade to the wharf area give to the interested observers regarding the pending release of the Marine Park Management Plan.  Well, one reading is that sanctuary zone will not be extended or changed and the commercial operators are safe while this plan is in force.  Another reading is that the current leased area will not be leased out in the future and the berths will all be available to passing vessels leaving these business to fight for space. In the 444 page document there is not a single mention of the current leases and what will happen to them during and after the project.

On the positive side. There will be at least seven floating pontoons - being 66 metre long (the gang-way just will not work as it is currently designed).  What this means having floating pontoons is that vessels coming alongside will be able to take on passengers and equipment with much greater ease than is currently the situation.  From discussion with the locals and my experience the tide flow out along this area very strongly so the piles and attachments to the pontoons will need to be extra strong and not the type used in the calm waters of a marina.  The low level berthing area appears to be in the area currently used by the large commercial catamaran fishing vessel.

Again it looks as if there is going to be only one fish cleaning table but a fish cleaning area adjacent to the low level landing.  There is going to be a black-water pump-out station for the commercial vessels but not recreational vessels.  There is also no refuelling station. This is a potential environmental spillage waiting to happen.  There will have to be extensive dredging of the area to make the depth adequate for the vessels that come alongside – a long awaited requirement.

The proposal is to  have a staged demolition and the removal of the wharf starting with the eastern section and take four months to complete.

Transport for NSW states the benefits to be far-reaching including: 

    • the wharf will be safer and more accessible to all users of all abilities; 

    • the upgrade will fuel economic growth for the area through improved access to coastal infrastructure and river systems for commercial, industrial and recreational vessels

    • it will enhance the use of maritime infrastructure for recreational and tourism purposes, with resulting opportunities for employment

    • it will mitigate against safety risks to vessels, passengers and pedestrians using the facility

    • the new wharf will contribute to the protection of coastal assets and environmental values.

Contained in the Review of Environmental Factor it clearly highlights that “Seagrass and macroalgae species to be directly and indirectly impacted resulting from the construction works within the proposal site”  and these will be offset by TfNSW in negotiations.  Now this gives a clear statement to Council that marine infrastructure can be built along side seagrass and their claim that it is impossible to have floating pontoons at Brieleys and elsewhere is “misleading”.

Now as any good local diver knows there is a population of white Seahorses  (Hippocampus whitei) living happily under the current wharf.  Well, worry not, DPI has undertaken a study by the firm GHD (remember them and the flood study of the new Batemans Bay Bridge – say no more, say no more) The project will relocate the Seahorses in snap lock bags to a new location and install seahorse hotels to encourage them to settle in their new home environment and give them support during this difficult time.  The relocation site is adjacent to the Mill Pond Boat Ramp or the Apex Park Pontoon so rest assured they will still have a quiet life in a new location.

Now the Association strongly support the relocation and rehousing of any animal but I fear that the current human homeless in the Eurobodalla don't seem to get the same level of study and support as these Seahorses.

“TfNSW is seeking community feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF), which is the planning document for the reconstruction of the wharf to ensure that we fully understand the local community’s needs.”  The REF will be on display public display  and download from Monday 9 May until Wednesday 15 June 2022. at https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/maritime/projects/narooma-wharf-replacement/index.html

Two public information sessions will be held, where you can drop in and talk directly to the project team. These will be held at the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre at 100 Bluewater Drive at the following times:

Thursday 26 May 2022 from 6pm-8pm

Saturday 28 May 2022 from 2pm-4pm

Now if you wish to comment Via email to NaroomaWharfProject@transport.nsw.gov.au

What do the local Batemans Bay boaters and fishos think of this project and why have we again been left out of an upgrade to our marine infrastructure not paid for by a Boating Now grant funded from boat licences?