New dayboating facilities for Birchgrove, NSW

Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said on Wednesday that a new recreational boating facility is to be built at Yeend Street Wharf at Birchgrove, in Sydney’s inner west.

Mr Tripodi announced details of the $900,000 investment in infrastructure after transfer of the wharf from Leichhardt Council to NSW Maritime was approved by Leichhardt Council on Wednesday.

“The Council owned wharf has become derelict and extensively vandalised but now it will be re-built by the State Government as a public facility,” Tripodi said.

The day berthing facility on the northern side of Mort Bay will be based on a ‘U’ shaped pontoon 26m long and 12m wide. It will provide temporary berthing space for up to three small vessels at a time, as well as pick-up and drop off space for vessels and water taxis. Permanent berthing and overnight stays will not be permitted.

“The facility will comply with disability access requirements and will also have a low level landing for kayaks and other small craft,” Tripodi said.

Balmain MP Verity Firth said the facility, which is located at the south-western entrance to the newly opened Ballast Point Park, will allow the community to access the site for day visits and picnics by the water.

“The jetty will provide a great viewing point for residents and picnickers to enjoy the delights of Sydney Harbour. This new infrastructure will beautifully complement Ballast Point Park which has just been opened by the NSW Government,” Firth said.

“After a long fight to return Ballast Point to the people of Sydney, I’m delighted that people will now be able to moor their boat for the day and enjoy one of Sydney Harbour’s newest headland parks.”

The new pontoon will be open to the boating public in mid 2010.

Mr Tripodi said Maritime figures show more than 480,000 people now hold a powerboat licence in NSW alone. The industry also estimates that more than 1.5 million people go boating each year.

IMAGE: Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi.