PORT Stephens has endorsed a draft Boating and Fishing Infrastructure Plan.

Council provides and manages a network of infrastructure including boat ramps, wharfs, jetties, pontoons, dinghy storage and fish cleaning tables to support boating and fishing activities.

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Through the NSW Government’s Boating Now program, Council received funding to prepare a plan to guide the provision and management of boating and fishing infrastructure.

The Plan was developed in three stages: stage one- baseline assessment and a review of existing facilities, stage two- needs options analysis including community engagement and finally, stage three – reporting including strategic recommendations and cost work plan.

The draft Plan discusses seventeen boat ramps and nine wharves, jetties and pontoons across the Local Government Area, providing recommended directions, indicative costs and a hierarchical priority system of works.

In an amendment to the motion by Councillor Giacomo Arnott, the Fitzgerald Bridge Boat Ramp is to be renamed the ‘Raymond Terrace Boat Ramp’ and reclassified to a high priority.

Through the Plan, the Council will not only maintain the current supply of boating and fishing infrastructure, but additionally provide adequate support infrastructure such as lighting, car parking and toilet facilities, clear signage and wayfinding and accessible and safe facilities, whilst ensuring environmental impact and sustainability is taken into consideration.

The draft Boating and Fishing Infrastructure Plan will be placed on Public Exhibition for a period of 28 days to invite community feedback and comments on the Plan.

By Tara CAMPBELL