Shoalhaven City Council has successfully secured $275,000 for jetty upgrades and launch facilities thanks to the NSW Government’s Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Grants Program.
The communities of Lake Tabourie and Shoalhaven Heads will benefit from three grants which will improve the way people fish, boat, paddle and enjoy the area’s stunning waterways.
Council thanks the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) for recognising the importance of the submissions and providing funds to promote the great outdoors and enrich the lives of the community and visitors.
Shoalhaven Heads – jetty refurbishment
Carter’s Corner Jetty on River Road will be the beneficiary of a $140,700 grant for a major upgrade.
The picturesque jetty and walkway is not just a favourite with locals and tourists, it’s a destination. It provides easy access to the water to all members of the community, providing the perfect place to fish, swim, or just sit and watch the sunset.
Unsurprisingly, time and weather has taken its toll on the jetty with timbers aged and deteriorated. Funding will go towards much-needed repairs such as:
- Refurbishment of deck (using robust fibre reinforced plastic micromesh)
- Repairs to substructure (piles and grouting)
- Replacement of handrails
- Relocation of solar light
- Fish cleaning repair with new pluming
- Improved drainage at fish cleaning table
The end result promises to be a jetty that will last another 40 years, bringing much joy to the community and perfectly insta-ready for tourists looking to visit the best Shoalhaven has to offer.
Construction is scheduled to start in late July 2022.
Shoalhaven Heads – boat ramp repair and toe extension
The boat ramp at River Road is in desperate need of repair. Large cracks appear on the surface, cars and trailers can’t get enough traction to tow their boats, and pedestrians have no sound footing on the concrete surface.
A grant of $89,000 will transform the boat ramp into a much safer and use-friendly experience, promising to encourage more people to take advantage of the area’s water sports.
Works will include deep grooves moulded into the surface which will provide:
- Traction for tow vehicles
- Sound footing for pedestrians
- Self-cleaning of the ramp (excess water and debris will be able to drain away)
In addition to the surface repairs, works will extend the toe (bottom of the ramp) which will have significant benefits for the public and the environment. The toe extension means:
- Outboard motors will no longer be needed to drive boats onto trailers during retrieval
- Trailers will no longer drop off the edge of the ramp on to the riverbank (making it easier tow boats)
- Less chance of damage to the bottom of boats
- Reduced erosion. Rock scour protection will also prevent loss of seabed sediment and prevent a ‘drop off’ or hole at the end of the ramp
Funding will go towards:
- Precast panel installation to replace the existing broken panels
- Toe improvement works to reduce the drop off
- Project management
Construction is scheduled to start in early August 2022.
Lake Tabourie – paddle-craft access
In response to community feedback, Council is thrilled to jointly fund a much-needed paddle-craft ramp to provide formal access to the lake at Short Street.
Totalling $60,000, Council will contribute $15,000 to boost the state government’s grant of $45,000. Residents and visitors will soon enjoy safe and easy access to the lake via a new ramp, making kayaking and paddleboarding even more enjoyable. The new ramp will also mean a decrease in shore erosion as watercraft no longer need to be launched off the shoreline.
Combined funding of $60,000 will go towards:
- Community consultation (survey)
- Environmental assessment
- Ramp design
- Construction
Plans for building the ramp were outlined in Council’s draft 2022/23 Delivery Program Operational Plan.
Council would like to thank passionate community members who contributed to the submissions’ success and looks forward to delivering on the three projects.
