Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, today announced the upgraded Lemon Tree Passage boat ramp facility at Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens was open, just in time for summer.

“The NSW Government provided Port Stephens Council with $900,000 through the NSW Boating Now program to improve boating infrastructure in the community,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This is about giving Port Stephens boaties what they need –quality facilities and continued improvements in safety and accessibility.

“We know more and more people are going boating in NSW every year which is why this upgrade is so important.

“The project provided an additional lane on the existing boat ramp, replacement of the existing wharf with a new pontoon system to house a sewage pump-out unit and an upgrade of the car park at the site.”

Mayor of Port Stephens, Councillor Bruce MacKenzie said Lemon Tree Passage was one of a number of iconic locations in the area, attracting huge numbers to the waterfront annually.

“The Tilligerry Peninsular is a hugely popular launching area for fishing and leisure boats,” Mr MacKenzie.

“What our boat users now have is a state of the art facility that will benefit residents and visitors alike.

“Attracting this NSW Government funding has been a priority for Council and the resulting upgrade, which our staff has delivered is an absolute credit to the area.

“We’ve recently been successful in securing a number of other State grants for major projects across Port Stephens and the local community will see these roll out in coming months.”

Mr MacDonald said the NSW Government provided $37.5 million from NSW Boating Now to support delivery of the 192 Priority Regional Projects identified in the 11 Regional Boating Plans.

“An additional $10 million has also been set aside for major projects, $5 million for boat trailer parking initiatives and another $10 million for the delivery of second round projects in the past two years of this program,” Mr MacDonald said.

“NSW Boating Now aims to further enhance the boating experience by improving the capacity and amenity of boating infrastructure on NSW waterways.

“Priority regional projects were identified after consultation with councils, local sports clubs and organisations as well as every day boaters. These projects include upgrades and new infrastructure such as boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, car parks and sewage pump out facilities.”

For more information about NSW Boating Now or the Better Boating program visit the Roads and Maritime website at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/key-build-program/boating-now.