Upgrades to Manly Wharf and Revitilisation of the Aquarium Site

A $205 million investment in maritime infrastructure and safety upgrade projects will create nearly 1300 jobs across the state.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the stimulus funding to improve access and amenities was particularly important with boating activity at an all-time high.

“We’ve seen a rising number of people getting out and enjoying our waterways and foreshores as we all look to holiday closer to home,” Mr Constance said.

“The great thing about this stimulus package is it will not only improve infrastructure such as wharves, breakwalls and amenities but it will also create jobs and assist the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”

The funding will go to priority areas, including:

• Regional maritime infrastructure
• Regional dredging
• Ferry wharf upgrades
• Maritime property improvements.

The $205 million stimulus will come from the Waterways Fund, which is made up of fees collected from boating licences and registrations, wetland leases and mooring licences.

Member for Manly James Griffin said $25 million will be used to upgrade Manly Wharf 3.

“Currently, if you’re in a wheelchair or pushing a pram, catching a ferry at this wharf is just not possible. The existing old timber wharf is also showing signs of wear and tear from the continual wave and tidal movements it is exposed to,” Mr Griffin said.

“Also at Manly, $9 million in work will ensure the Transport for NSW owned former Manly Sea Life site is stripped back to prepare it for its future use after 60 years as an aquarium.

“Planning for both of these projects will require careful consideration of potential local environmental impacts, including the protected Little Penguin colony and sea grasses endemic to the area.”

The ferry wharves at Double Bay, Darling Point and Greenwich Point are among those being made safer and accessible with a $37 million funding allocation.

Mr Constance said $16 million will help fund construction of the Kamay ferry wharves, currently being planned to connect La Perouse and Kurnell, providing a boost to local tourism and transport.

A commitment of $8 million will fund dredging work to ensure safe navigation of channels and entrances, particularly in regional waterways.

While a further $29 million will fund additional regional maritime infrastructure and foreshore work in locations from Tweed Heads to Eden.