Port of Eden gets $10m boost

On the campaign trail today (May 23, 2016), NSW Treasurer and Member for Bega Andrew Constance and Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay announced a $10 million upgrade to the Port of Eden to try and woo local voters and boaters.

This follows the Eden community vote on April 27, 2016, that put the long-term secure development of the port as the number one priority. A local vote convincingly backed a combination of both a 170 berth marina/safe harbour and the wharf extension for cruise ships with a berthing pocket 160m wide.

But for some local objectors, the Eden community in the main regard the Snug Cove safe harbour and marina as a key component for the future of Snug Cove and the Eden economy, along with the wharf extension.

The community called on the NSW Government to quickly move to the design and construction of the wharf extension and a fixed panel attenuator 160m from the planned wharf extension. Today (May 23, 2016)  the Government  responded with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the electorate to back the announcement.

"The Port of Eden Infrastructure Improvement Program will deliver new boating infrastructure and improve maritime safety in Twofold Bay," Mr Constance said.

"With its deep natural harbour, Eden supports an active commercial fishing fleet and provides an important anchorage for all types of seagoing vessels navigating the NSW coast.

"For many years the Port has also provided a place of refuge for competitors in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race."

Minister Gay said a key priority of the new program was to provide a safer anchorage for local and visiting vessels.

"One option that will be considered is the construction of a wave attenuator," Minister Gay said.

"The Far South Coast Regional Boating Plan, which is currently being developed, will give focus to the upgrades at the Port of Eden."

Mr Constance said the NSW Coalition Government recognised Eden's proud maritime tradition.

"Eden is an active working Port, a premier location for whale watching and is an emerging cruise destination," Mr Constance said.

"This new initiative will ensure Eden's maritime character not only continues, but prospers into the future.

"This $10 million investment in the Port of Eden follows the $3 million commitment made by the Deputy Premier in March this year towards the extension the Port of Eden Breakwater Wharf.

"The extension will enable the port to accommodate more and larger cruise ships.

"This is not only great news for local and visiting boaters; it will also provide a significant boost to the local economy. This program will provide jobs during construction and will increase visitation to the region."

You can read all about the Port of Eden, Safe Harbour project here.