Related stories
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
DREAMS of a permanent marina in the Shoalhaven have moved a step closer.
But it won’t be off Huskisson or Callala Bay in Jervis Bay, but right in the Shoalhaven River at Nowra.
For a number of years a marina area has been established in the river on the eastern side of the bridges as part of the Shoalhaven River Festival activities.
Once again the marina area will play a significant part in this year’s River Festival activities on October 22-23.
But this year, once the festival is over the marina area will be staying, becoming a permanent structure on the Shoalhaven River, available for all to use.
Shoalhaven River Festival organiser Lynn Lock made the exciting announcement on Monday, describing it as “a win,win for everyone!”
“We first approached council after last year's river festival with a request for them to provide the marina for the festival in future years, due to the cost and effort that was required in transporting, installing and then pulling it down and returning the pontoons to Sydney,” Mrs Locke said.
“After some discussion it was decided council would look into the possibility of leaving the marina in place after the festival for use by other groups within the Shoalhaven.
“This has now become a reality!”
Mrs Locke thanked Mayor Joanna Gash, general manager Russ Pigg and director of council’s Corporate and Community Services Craig Milburn for their support.
“Thanks of course must go to the community who support the river festival and have provided us with positive feedback about the marina,” she said.
“The community has loved the marina and it has proved so popular. We had so many comments about ‘why not leave it there?’
“I cannot express strongly enough how appreciative the river festival committee is to council for not only listening to our request but for having the foresight, to not only provide this wonderful structure for the river festival, but to have it as a permanent structure on the Shoalhaven River.
“As chairperson of the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group I can only say that this is just another addition to our beautiful river that will have a positive effect on tourism.
“It is a huge job and a big cost involved in setting up the marina each year. I must also thank Terry Chittleborough who has been our driving force behind the project and along with help from Johny Vynes, who will take over the marina section of the festival this year.
“Terry has been working with council on its design and there is also the capability to add to it and make it even bigger in years to come.
“I see this as a huge advantage for the region. It will be available for everyone to use. You could even use it to host weddings on the water.”
In May this year council voted to allocate $200,000 towards the river front area.
Mr Milburn said $160,000 would be allocated to purchasing and installing the pontoons for the marina, while $40,000 would be to providing permanent power to the area on the western side of the Shoalhaven River bridges in Scenic Drive.
“We will negotiate with the suppliers but hope to get between 12 and 16 pontoons to form the marina,” Mr Milburn said.
“They will be 11.5 metres long and 2.5m wide and the same design as those used at the Sydney Boat Show.
“We will also be looking to install a walkway from the shoreline to the pontoons and handrails.”
Mr Milburn said the installation of power, both three phase and single phase, to Scenic Drive would not only provide power for the river festival but could also be used for other “pop up events” planned for the area.