The NSW government's $10 million wave attenuator proposed for Snug Cove has been labelled a "recipe for disaster", with the community group behind a push for a commercial marina in the precinct claiming that it is being built in the wrong place.
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Port of Eden Marina secretary Rob Bain said if the government goes ahead with the alignment of the 343-metre attenuator as outlined in Expression of Interest documents, its plan for a 170-berth marina at Snug Cove would not be viable.
"If it is not possible to build an attenuator in the right position at this time, Eden may well be better off with a deferment and rethink rather than a permanent disaster," Dr Bain said on Tuesday.
Minister for Transport and Bega MP Andrew Constance and Minister for Lands Paul Toole called for EOIs to design and construct the wave attenuator - the cornerstone of the government's Safe Harbour Project - last Thursday.
POEM viewed the 32-page documentation and met with government officials on Monday and, claiming that their input had been ignored, contacted Mr Constance to express their anger.
After a tense 24 hours, Dr Bain announced: Proposals have been put to the NSW Department of Industry to modify their marina alignment and discussions may commence soon.
POEM said a viable marina would drive Edens economy. If it is in the wrong place, the port will stagnate and, in 30 years, Snug Cove will look much as it does today, except there will be a nearly useless attenuator jutting out into Twofold Bay impeding port operations.
The proposed alignment did not include a 30-metre gap between the main wharf and attenuator to allow for the passage of boats, including tugs; the channel for the cruise ships was much wider than previously stated; and, it would still partly expose the basin to gales, he said.
Andrew Constance says POEMS claims are wrong
Mr Constance said the statement issued by the POEM was misleading and incorrect.
The NSW Government is delivering significant infrastructure at the Port of Eden, including the Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension Project and the Eden Safe Harbour Project, Mr Constance said on Thursday morning.
These projects will transform the area and stimulate further investment in the maritime and tourism sectors.
We are delivering on our commitment to provide protection for existing infrastructure in the port of Eden and provide a safer harbour for vessels to moor or berth in.
The Department of Industry Lands is now seeking interest from the market for proposals to design and construct either a fixed or floating attenuator that can achieve these objectives within the project budget.
Submissions received through the EOI process will be taken into account before the ultimate design and location of the wave attenuator is finalised, which will give consideration to marina berths and current users of the port and their requirements.
We will be working to future proof the harbour with options for future expansion, which may include attenuator extension, marina berths and potential growth for commercial usage of the harbours existing wharves.
The NSW Government will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the POEM group, to finalise the design of the proposed wave attenuator, he said
