Eden safe harbour gets funding

Despite the Port of Eden's many advantages as a deep, well-located port with excellent facilities, it has a dubious reputation among cruising skippers.

Although the Snug Cove port area is well protected against ocean storms, the NSW Maritime website describes it as unsafe for small vessels. As the accompanying photos show, this description is borne out whenever a south-west gale comes across Twofold Bay and creates havoc among vessels on the jetties and moorings.

However, this is about to change.

After years of studies and lobbying, the NSW Government has allocated $10 million for a safe harbour in Snug Cove. The funding will provide for a panel breakwater wave attenuator. Private investment will then be sought for a marina with about 200 berths, probably to be built in two stages.

Details of the project, its background and a link to the Bega Valley Shire Council's overall master-plan for Snug Cove can be found at www.portofedenmarina.org.au.

A great deal of the work required to get the project to this stage has been carried out by Port of Eden Marina Inc. (POEM), a local not-for-profit association.

With Merimbula airport nearby, and daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney, Eden is an ideal place for a crew change. Also, a rest and restocking is often a good idea before or after tackling Bass Strait.

The Twofold Bay Yacht Club and the entire Eden community say they look forward to welcoming visitors for a safe, secure and enjoyable stay for as long as they wish.

At the time of writing, no specific timing had been announced for the completion of the project.