New facility offers opportunities for passive watercraft

Shellharbour City Council has opened its kayak launch ramp at The Waterfront, Shell Cove.

The floating pontoons will allow launching of any type of non-powered recreational watercraft, including kayaks, surf skis and stand up paddle boards.

The pontoons and gangway cost approximately $250k. The project was made possible through the support of the NSW Governments Boating Now grant program and the Federal Government’s Community Infrastructure Funding grant program. 

The launch facility is located next to the public boat ramp, utilising the facilities already established in the area. These include public toilets and car parking. Additionally, the channel width is considered most suitable at the project location. 

This location complements the recently completed passive watercraft facilities at Ski Way Park, Oak Flats and Reddall Reserve, Warilla.

Bellingham Marine, who constructed the infrastructure for Shellharbour Marina, built the gangway and pontoon.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the facility was another valuable recreational feature for the new harbour front community.

“It is great to include more watercraft and that people from the east to the west of the city can use the marina and make the most of this unique waterfront public asset for outdoor recreation activities” Mayor Homer said.

“I would like to thank the State and Federal Governments for their funding and assistance with this project.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said it was great to see the project, which was part of the NSW Government's Boating Now program, come to fruition.

"The Boating Now program, now in its fourth round, has invested in about 330 projects since it began in 2014, providing funding to improve maritime infrastructure and facilities across NSW," he said.

More information https://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/waterfront-shell-cove 

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008