Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams today announced the NSW Government has allocated $4 million to improve maritime facilities in Port Macquarie.
Mrs Williams said the Department of Industry – Lands has conducted a tender and awarded a contract to GPM Constructions Pty Ltd to construct the Port Macquarie Foreshore Facility.
“This project will be a great boost to Port Macquarie’s maritime and tourism infrastructure while revitalising the former site of the Hastings River Fishermen’s Cooperative,” Mrs Williams said.
“It includes construction of a new fishermen’s wharf, an unloading jetty, two new large mooring berths, an extension of the boardwalk along Kooloongbung Creek, and the realignment of the existing rock revetment.
“This will provide a significant improvement to Port Macquarie’s coastal infrastructure to support boating, fishing, tourism and other commercial activities.
“The new public wharf will provide a magic spot for fishing and recreation for local residents and visiting tourists,” Mrs Williams said.
“The two mooring berths will service large commercial vessels and the new unloading jetty will include vehicle access so commercial fishers can moor and unload their fresh seafood catches directly for local markets, cafes and restaurants.
“The unloading jetty will also provide efficient and safe access for ambulances and other emergency services that need to respond to any marine incidents.
“The boardwalk extension will improve connections to retail, tourism and hospitality businesses along the Hastings River in the Settlement City area and provide an addition to the popular 9 km Port Macquarie coastal walk.
“There will also be improved access along the foreshore and the water including for mobility-impaired people,” Mrs Williams said.
Minister for Property Melinda Pavey said the Port Macquarie Foreshore Facility is expected to be completed in about 10 months providing an important part of Port Macquarie-Hasting Council’s foreshore masterplan.
“The North Coast is a tourism gem and the NSW Government is very happy to invest in Port Macquarie’s beautiful waterfront to not only benefit the local community and economy but also provide a valuable tourism asset for our State.”
