Nelson Bay is welcoming the completion of a facelift to its Little Beach boat ramp.
The $2.2 million upgrade that closed the popular waterway access for the past three months, is once again accessible to boaters.
NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said the completion of the upgrade was just in time for boaters and fishers to launch into the warmer months.
“The new and improved boat ramp has an elevated profile that extends further into the water allowing boats to launch at lower tide levels without worrying about reversing off the toe of the ramp,” he said.
“The elevated structure will also help to reduce the amount of sand accumulating on the ramp by allowing the natural flow of sand to pass under the ramp.”
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) provided almost $1.9 million for the boat ramp upgrade under the NSW Government’s Boating Now program, with Port Stephens Council contributing a further $350,000 to the project.
“The work carried out over the past three months means boaters now have safer and easier access to Port Stephens and is another great example of the NSW Government’s continued investment in boating infrastructure,” Mr Hutchings said.
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer said the upgrade also included new pathways to improve accessibility at the site.
“This is the upgrade our community has been waiting for,” he said.
“It will provide a better experience for all local and visiting boaters and crucially it will mean less bogged cars.”
The upgrade is part of a larger scope of work at the Little Beach Boat Ramp facility.
TfNSW has committed an additional $100,000 in funding to support the $180,000 installation of new accessible amenities.
Port Stephens Council facilities and services group manager Greg Kable said construction of the new amenities building at Little Beach Boat Ramp is expected to commence and be completed in 2022.
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