SINCE the last report concerning progress at Tea Gardens Slipway, the facility has been able to get back to full operation in late July and five boats have now been slipped.

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As part of getting back into operation, a “bund” wall to catch all water run-off from washing boats has been built so that this water cannot enter the river then this wastewater is then pumped into tanks to be later disposed by the local wastewater contractor.

While these arrangements are effective, they are not the final solution for the Association to achieve their environmental compliance targets.

“They are at best an interim arrangement to keep our community Slipway operating without the potential to affect the river,” said Paul Bendy, the Slipway Association’s President.

“We understand that our Development Application with Council has been signed off by the various interested external Government agencies, so now Council can process the DA through their system.

“Once we have an approved DA from Council, which we expect at any time now, we can then focus on gaining the support in the way of additional funding to assist with the upgrade necessary for such a facility.”

There is widespread support for the slipway to be upgraded, both within the various levels of government and the community.

When the upgrade works are completed, Tea Gardens Slipway will be able to continue to service the area in the role of vessel maintenance, but more importantly, as a marine emergency response facility, protecting the Myall Lakes and River areas.

The Tea Gardens Slipway Association will keep the community informed of their upgrade progress through News Of The Area.

By Ann SCULLY