A grant from NSW Maritime will provide council with half the cost for the $170,000 project set to improve the boating facilities opposite Maxwell St on Marine Dve.

Plans propose to expand the existing public pontoon from 8m to 36m, allowing multiple boats to moor at a time.

Council’s manager of parks and recreation David Bortfeld said the reconstruction will meet Tea Gardens’ growing demands.

“The increase in boating in Tea Gardens and the need for substantial investment to improve boating facilities has been a major issue for three years at least,” he said.

“The proposed improvements will substantially increase the opportunity for recreational activities and provide a better balance of use with the current commercial operations.”

The public wharf between Maxwell and Charles Streets will also undergo reconstruction to include a small floating pontoon.

Spokesperson for the Myall River Action Group Gordon Grainger said it would ease pressures on the waterfront.

“We are very pleased to acknowledge council action to replace the dilapidated wharves with floating pontoons.

“They should be adequate to cater for current and future demands of our water traffic and will bring some relief to the commercial businesses in both Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, particularly in association with the dredging of the navigational channel, which should be completed by mid year,” Mr Grainger said.

“Our sincere thanks go to our two local councillors and the interest and input from our local member, Craig Baumann who have been most instrumental in this achievement.”

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