A geotechnical survey to provide experts with an accurate profile of the sea bed in the Eden Harbour is now complete, Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced today.
“The NSW Government remains fully committed to delivering $10 million to the Port of Eden Infrastructure Improvement Program, and this important work means we are one step closer to delivering improvements that will make a difference to local boating and the entire Eden community,” Mr Constance said.
“In order for us to come up with the best possible delivery solution, the report identified more work needed to be done to understand the geology of the seabed as well as analyse data like the size and frequency of waves coming into the Eden Harbour,” Mr Constance said.
“The geotechnical work included the use of a jack-up barge and a floating barge to obtain rock and sediment samples within Snug Cove. Geophysical surveys were also carried out using a boat with cables towed on the surface and along the seabed.
“The information we have gained from this geotech work will now enable us to do some further planning and design work which will help us determine the best option to improve safety within the harbour.
“Ultimately, I want to deliver a solution that makes life easier for boaters who use the harbour as well as provide a boost to the local recreation and tourism economy, with the potential of generating new jobs.
“We have already spoken with a number of key stakeholders who know this harbour well and I thank them for their feedback.
“We are now getting on with the job of delivering these improvements as quickly as possible.
“I look forward to sharing our preferred delivery model and project timeline with the community in the middle of the year.”
All work on the project is being progressed alongside the $15 million Eden Breakwater Wharf extension due to the synergies between the two projects and the need to ensure they do not negatively impact on each other.
The Port of Eden Infrastructure Improvement Program is being managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries on behalf of Transport for NSW and overseen by a cross-agency project control group.
The initial Royal HaskoningDHV report is available at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au.
A subsequent report will be available in coming months which will detail results of the geotechnical study.