Long-delayed Jetty upgrades to begin in late April Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 25, 2024 A bird’s eye view of the Apex Park jetty construction zone. Much of the parking lot will be out of bounds, and the silt curtain is a measure to prevent sediment pollution into the river. AFTER years of delays, boaties and fishers of Tea Gardens are relieved to hear that upgrade work to the Apex Park Jetty in Tea Gardens is set to begin from Monday, 29 April. “The improvements include widening and lengthening the existing boat ramp, a floating centre pontoon, and the boat rigging area will also be extended to align with the new boat ramp width,” MidCoast Council has announced. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Mike Ferris from the Myall River Action Group told News Of The Area, “It will be great when it finally arrives, but the project should have been done years ago. “Funding was announced in July 2020, under the Better Boating Program, but it has taken nearly four years, and Council has had the initial grant of more than $300,000 since that time. “By now, it has more than doubled in price, which can only be due to the timeframe that it has taken to get things moving. “It could have been handled more efficiently.” Paul Bendy, from the Tea Gardens Slipway Association, echoed Mike’s frustration over project timing. “Why has it taken so long? “The funding arrived at the same time as the Slipway upgrades, and we had finished our project, a much bigger job, within eleven months. “Actual construction time was sixteen weeks, the other seven months were paperwork. “Costs have gone up, and it must be related to the delays, things get more expensive every day.” Council says the project began with community consultation in 2021, and the upgrading contract was awarded to Hunter Wharf and Barge in January 2024. Council advises that the jetty, boat ramp, and part of the car park in Apex Park will be closed for the duration of the works, which are anticipated to take twelve weeks, weather permitting. Alternate boat ramps will be available for use during construction, including the ramps on Marine Drive in Tea Gardens, and Moira Parade in Hawks Nest. Council’s Manager of Strategy and Projects, Amanda Hatton told NOTA, “Council is excited to finally be delivering this project after a redesign was undertaken to better align with the community’s expectations for the facility. “The new design required additional funding to be sourced which has now been secured through a combination of State and Federal grants along with a co-contribution from Council. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we worked towards delivering a facility for them that will provide long-term boating and recreational enjoyment.” For more information on this project, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/tea-gardens-jetty-replacement and sign up to receive updates. By Thomas O’KEEFE
