Transport for NSW is inviting community members to provide feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors for an upgraded boat maintenance facility at Tweed Heads.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said planning was underway to replace the existing deteriorating slipway at Southern Boat Harbour, at Terranora Terrace. If all goes to plan, construction of the boat maintenance facility could start in in the first half of 2022.

“This work is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver improved maritime infrastructure and facilities to help recreational and commercial boaters safely access, use and navigate our rivers and coastal waters, and to benefit communities,” Mr Provest said.

“The Tweed River is used by recreational boaters, commercial fishing vessels and maritime related tourism operators. The current deteriorating slipway at Southern Boat Harbour needed major maintenance or replacement, and is currently only able to service a small number and range of vessels due to its condition.

“Work would involve demolishing the deteriorating existing boat maintenance facility, office building, workshop and storage container and replacing these with a new building and storage container and levelled hardstand area with new pavement surface and drainage and overwater lift platforms.

“The centre piece for this $2.8 million NSW Government funded project will be the installation of a new 75-tonne boat travel lift along with a commercial waste water treatment system.”

Mr Provest said the proposed upgrade work will take around six months to complete, weather and tides permitting. Work hours would be 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Transport for NSW is seeking feedback on the REF by 17 September.

Plans had also been drawn up for a possible stage two – subject to funding – which would involve extending the hardstand area, building a new entry road, fencing, and amenities block. 

Due to COVID restrictions, two online information sessions will be held to offer the opportunity to ask questions and meet the project team. To attend the online information sessions go to the project website: transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/mtms

The REF documents can be viewed until Friday, 17 September. Feedback in writing can be sent to TweedHeadsfacility@transport.nsw.gov.au or Tweed Heads Boat Maintenance Facility Project, Transport for NSW, 33 James Craig Road, Rozelle NSW 2039, or by phoning 1800 955 818.

All feedback received will be carefully considered and addressed and presented in a publicly accessible report.

For more information on the work, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/mtms