Bayview wharf as it is at present - non-existent having being neglected to the point where it failed.
The council is now seeking feedback on its plans for a complete restoration and upgrade of Bayview Wharf following its structural failure last year. This presents an opportunity to re-build the tidal pool as well, although the documents state that will occur after the wharf restoration works, which in themselves won't be commenced until at least March 2026.
The works are being funded through the $594,625 allocated to the council under the Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grant Program announced in August and through the funds raised by the SRV passed in June 2025, according to the project webpage.
Once again the Draft REF (Review of Environmental Factors) proposes to install plastics in the estuary of the kind that have been shown in a 2025 Australian study in a similar environment to begin deteriorating as it is being installed and continues to shed microplastics into the waters the whole time it is in place.
See: Currawong Wharf Upgrade: Draft REF Open for Feedback Closes October 6 and;
August 2025 report: Community Concerned Over the Increase of Plastic Products Being Used by the Northern Beaches Council for Installations in Pittwater's Environment
Previous REF's drafted for the council have stated this product is chosen due to its 'cost effectiveness' (cheaper).
As the project aims to upgrade the wharf through the provision of improved access and usability in the form of a ramp/gangway and a pontoon to improve tidal access and accessibility for ambulant and disabled persons, as required under the grant, a further indication why this pollutant product has been proposed is clarified. Those who sell the product state 'FRP grating or decking provides a slip resistant surface option, perfect for increasing safety in the unavoidable wet conditions of pontoons, wharves or jetties'.
The proposed construction works as outlined are planned to begin in quarter 3 of 2025.
The REF states it is anticipated that the groyne maintenance work will take 2 to 3 months to complete. The groyne work will take place before the commencement of the wharf reconstruction, which is scheduled for March 2026 and is estimated to take 4 to 5 months.
The anticipated timing for the tidal pool restoration works is 2026 to 2027, however, demolition and piling works may be undertaken in parallel with the wharf works, the REF states.
Details of the three elements of he restoration are:
Groyne:
- Undertake works on the existing stone groyne, including:
- Removal of failed balustrade.
- Removal of existing stones.
- Repairs to concrete steps.
- Backfilling of washout holes.
- Installation of new rock protection.
- Installation of new balustrade. - Partial demolition and reconstruction of the footpath on top of the groyne.
- Groyne construction is anticipated to be carried out using both land-based and barge access methods.
Wharf:
- Removal of a maximum of 25 degraded timber piles through hydraulic action and vibration.
- Installation of 28 new piles (combination of steel and timber piles). To install new piles, the following method is proposed:
- A piling barge and excavator would be used.
- The excavator would be fitted with a hammer attachment to achieve the seabed depth required for each pile. The hammer attachment is anticipated to achieve a 1.5 tonne drop for 40 millimetres blows into seabed. Note: the final methodology would be confirmed by the Appointed Contractor upon appointment.
- Pile driving of High-Density Polyethylene sleeves.
- Install piles.
- Construction of a 2.5 m wide ‘L-shaped’ fixed timber wharf (including decking and handrails).
- Installation of a 12.47 m long, 1.6 m Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wide mesh gangway.
- Construction of two Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) pontoons to provide vessel tie-up zones. These pontoons would comprise a 3 m by 10 m long pontoon, and a 6 m by 4 m pontoon.
- A ladder and kayak step would be installed on either side of the 6 m by 4 m pontoon.
- Wharf construction is anticipated to be carried out primarily through barge access methods.
Tidal Pool:
- Remove and replace the existing tidal pool structure, including:
- Demolition of existing structure (may be undertaken with the wharf works).
- Installation of 28 piles, to be undertaken in association with the wharf works.
- Pile driving of High-Density Polyethylene sleeves.
- Installation of netting.
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The council has also uploaded Drawing Plans to its project webpage so residents may visualise the above and the dimensions.
The council's webpage also states the design has taken a number of environmental impacts into consideration, including:
- short‐term impacts to water quality during the works
- loss of public access during the works area
- short‐term noise and vibration impacts associated primarily with the piling works
- loss of or damage to nearby seagrasses
- risk of dislodgement and dispersal of the aquatic pest Caulerpa taxifolia
- short‐term impacts to biodiversity, particularly White’s Seahorse, due to noise and localised loss of habitat and water quality impacts.
The REF states, in regards to these listed as Endangered species in NSW:
'As the works are to be partially undertaken within the breeding season for White’s seahorse (between October and April) (Australian Museum, 2012), during the breeding season, works should only be undertaken during daylight hours and cease half an hour before sunset. This is to ensure that mating animals are not impacted by the works.'
The REF for the Currawong Wharf, link above, proposed moving them safely away for the term of the works, to a 'seahorse hotel'.
The REF and Plans opened for comments on Wednesday September 24 and closes Thursday October 23.
Visit: bayview-wharf-upgrade
Their display and council consultation, so quickly after the grant funding was announced, may signal this is the last Summer, for several years in the case of the pool, where a safe swimming area for residents at Bayview, Mona Vale and Church Point, and a Public Wharf, has been left to rot.
Above: Bayview groyne and wharf circa 1900-10, and decades before this part of Pittwater was filled in under Warringah Shire Council for car parking. More in: Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History