The Safe Harbour Project

For many years it has been recognised that, if Snug Cove is to achieve its potential as a port, it needs to be protected from south westerly gales. For this reason the port is officially described as unsafe for small vessels by NSW Maritime. Faced with a continuing decline in its traditional fishing and forestry industries, Eden badly needs a new economic stimulus. A safe harbour and marina in Snug Cove would provide an obvious opportunity to stimulate growth, employment and a greatly improved and safe maritime amenity. On 18 December 2013 the Bega Valley Shire Council adopted an updated Masterplan for Snug Cove. This shows the area for a panel breakwater (wave attenuator), marina, the extension of the breakwater wharf for cruise ships and the development of the Snug Cove shore precinct. Implementation of this Masterplan forms the basis for the POEM project proposal for the construction of a safe small boat harbour and onshore development of accommodation, retail space, a restaurant and a range of facilities for marina users and visitors. The town and port of Eden has a unique combination of features that give Snug Cove tremendous potential to become a major driver of the local economy based on a safe small boat harbour. A summary of these is as follows:

Key Features

Strengths

  • Effectively the only port with a deep, safe entrance between Melbourne, northern Tasmania and Sydney.
  • On the edge of Bass Strait.
  • Conveniently located wharves, fuel, slipway, repair facilities, launching ramp.
  • Close to all town facilities.
  • Marine Rescue, Customs, Water Police, NSW Maritime.
  • Airport within 20 minutes drive.
  • Magnificent “Wilderness Coast” setting.

Opportunities

Town Development Plan

  • Profitable 173 berth marina
  • Marina Revised Layout 2017
  • Onshore development of the Snug Cove precinct
  • Strategic private investment program

Benefits: Transformation of the Port of Eden

Snug Cove Plan View

Onshore Development

  • Regular employment, investment, development and aconomic activity for Eden
  • Increased tourism
  • Safe, busy 173 berth marina – the boating/charter hub for south east Australia
  • $100 million onshore development of the Snug Cove precinct
  • Major increase in permanent and visiting recreational vessels
    • Larger local fleet
    • Yacht race destination
    • Charter/whale watching/game fishing/scuba diving
Updated Marina Plan 20201109

Updated Marina Layout

Achieving the greatest local value from Eden’s unique natural and community assets by:
  • Creating a safe small boat port protected from the south west gales based on
  • Government funding for a panel breakwater (wave attenuator) estimated cost $10 million and
  • Private Marina Investment estimated cost $6 million in 2 stages