Boaters will soon have greater access to safe and environmentally responsible waste disposal, with two public marine effluent pump-out facilities available in Forster to help protect the health of Wallis Lake.
MidCoast Council, with support from the NSW Government, are delivering the facilities to provide recreational boaters with a convenient way to dispose of onboard toilet waste directly into the sewer network.
The facilities will be located at Memorial Drive and Forster Marina, providing options for boats operating in different parts of the Wallis Lake and Forster harbour system.
The Memorial Drive location has a history of providing pump-out services under a previous site owner, while the Forster Marina project will renew and enhance the existing pump-out facility.
The Memorial Drive facility is suited to vessels operating in the calmer waters on the lake side of the Forster-Tuncurry bridge, while the Forster Marina facility provides access for larger vessels and boats operating in the harbour area east of the bridge.
Providing two strategically located facilities makes responsible waste disposal more accessible for recreational boaters and helps reduce the risk of wastewater being discharged into the lake.
Wallis Lake is an important environmental, recreational, and economic asset for the MidCoast, and maintaining its water quality is a shared responsibility.
By using the pump-out facilities, boaters can play a direct role in protecting water quality and healthy marine habitats while helping keep Wallis Lake clean and enjoyable for everyone.
The facilities also provide an important addition to the area’s recreational boating infrastructure, making it easier for boat owners to do the right thing while out on the water.
The project was developed following water quality investigations arising from a previous norovirus outbreak in Wallis Lake, and extensive consultation with Transport for NSW (Maritime), local stakeholders and MidCoast Council.
This work identified the need for accessible pump-out infrastructure that could cater for different types of vessels and boating locations.
The facilities which are expected to be operational by Friday 30 October will provide practical infrastructure for the boating community while supporting the long-term protection of the environmental values that make Wallis Lake such an important part of the MidCoast.
