The allocation of a further $1.5million for the Eden wave attenuator has been welcomed by Rob Bain, secretary of POEM (Port of Eden Marina), the group advocating for a marina at Snug Cove.
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As part of the state budget on June 19, Bega MP and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced “$1.5m this financial year for the wave attenuator/safe harbour at Eden”.
The money comes on top of promised $10m funding for the project.
“We’re hoping to see the contract let late this year with construction starting early next year,” Mr Bain said.
It is understood that negotiations have been taking place with Waterway Constructions of Sydney, the company currently constructing the wharf extension at Eden. The company will be well placed to understand the technical issues as well as now having local knowledge of the workings of the harbour.
The design of the wave attenuator has been the subject of some discussion with POEM using International Marina Consultants to represent their concerns and suggest an alternative design to that first proposed.
“We’re having detailed technical discussions with Crown Lands with a view to ensuring the best design,” Mr Bain said adding that it would most likely end up being larger but better than originally planned.
“Modifications at both ends (of the the wave attenuator) will provide better wave protection for the area.”
Asked about cost impacts Mr Bain said it was something that was being “worked through” although there has been unverified suggestions that the final design may cost in the region of $19m.
“We’re getting pretty close to the final design and should have something in the next couple of months,” Mr Bain said.
“It is highly likely to be fixed rather than floating and that may impact the cost but this allocation will certainly see the project well underway,” Mr Bain added.
