Bayview wharf as it is at present - non-existent having being neglected to the point where it failed in 2024
Among the projects allocated funding were three Pittwater wharves. Details are:
Bayview Wharf: $594,625
Project description: Upgrade Bayview Wharf following April 2024 partial failure by providing improved access via new ramp and pontoon. Project enhances public accessibility for surrounding areas using Bayview as mainland access point. Location of site is at 33°39'34.2"S 151°17'57.0"E
$594,625 was approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime
Date approved: August 2025. Program term: 30/06/2028
Location of the recipient: Northern Beaches Council
Mackerel Beach Wharf: $1,470,466
Project description: Upgrade Mackerel Beach Wharf with improved fixed tidal ramp following Boating Now Rd3 design completion. Project ensures disability standards compliance for Accessible Public Transport, serving growing aging community needs. Location of site is at 33°35'30.8"S 151°18'03.7"E
$1,470,466 was approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime
Date approved: August 2025. Program term: 30/06/2028
Location of the recipient: Northern Beaches Council
Currawong Wharf Upgrade: $1,108,026
Project description: Upgrade Currawong Wharf with improved fixed tidal ramp following Boating Now Rd3 design completion. Project ensures disability standards compliance for Accessible Public Transport, serving growing aging community needs. Location of site is at 33°35'48.8"S 151°17'57.7"E
$1,108,026 was approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime
Date approved: August 2025. Program term: 30/06/2028
Location of the recipient: Northern Beaches Council
TfNSW's Boating Now Round 3 grant program (August 2020) provided Paradise Beach Wharf Upgrade Design ($20,655). The Boating Now Program, under Round 3, also provided funds for Bilarong Reserve Boat Ramp Improvements, Narrabeen Lagoon ($60,000), Church Point Commuter Wharf Feasibility Study ($40,250), Currawong Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design ($82,500), and Mackerel Beach Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design ($70,657).
Mackerel Beach Wharf Upgrade
Council announced on Monday January 20 2025 it had secured almost $1 million in funding towards upgrades at Mackerel Beach Wharf with works expected to commence mid-year. The allocation towards the works are part of the of the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program which supports capital works projects that enhance liveability, strengthen social cohesion and support local amenity in communities across Australia's cities and suburbs. Council secured $939,305.00 under the program.
The design was finessed, with feedback from the broader community taking place in November to December 2024.
In June 2021 the Northern Beaches Council committed $3.2 million towards the wharves at Mackerel and Currawong beaches, and design for Church Point wharf. The upgrade for Mackerel Beach wharf was announced in the 2023/24 budget allocations as well.
Mayor Sue Heins said the wharf upgrade aims to meet current engineering standards and improve accessibility for users and the local community.
“We have met with local residents and the ferry operators throughout development of the concept design and have also asked the wider community for any additional feedback.
“We are grateful to the Australian Government for the funding which has co-funded the design aspect of the wharf to provide improved disability access as well as minimising the long-term maintenance requirements.” Mayor Heins said.
Key features of the proposed upgrade include:
- moving the wharf back to the area where it slopes to the wharf head
- extending the wharf by approximately 35m to approximately 105m total length to provide access at all tidal times for all users that complies with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
- providing a dedicated bin storage area.
3D model of the Mackerel Wharf Design. Image courtesy: Northern Beaches Council
The council webpage for this project now states ''Mid 2026: Construction anticipated to commence''. The council works to take into account usage during peak seasons as well as environmental factors to structure timing of major projects. Being mindful of the population of Whites Seahorse that lives at this end of the estuary was part of the REF.
The council has stated it is investigating options for a temporary structure for use during construction. This will be discussed with the successful contractor at the tender stage to provide the best outcome. The existing ladders will still be in place.
Bayview Wharf Needs replacing
By December 2024 the news service had been contacted by a number of Bayview, Mona Vale and Church Point residents about the Bayview wharf and baths after the wharf had fallen into the estuary in April 2024 and no progress towards a replacement was seen to be happening. The wharf is considered a priority to residents due to Pittwater wharves being used for medical evacuations, and for emergency evacuations during bushfires should access via roads be cut.
Council advised then:
‘’Council is in the process of going to market for the design of the replacement/repair of the wharf at Bayview with the subsequent construction being subject to appropriate funding being available.’’
The council is also responsible for the historic elements of this part of Bayview and would have engaged contractors to ensure the groyne that forms part of the wharf, and is also deteriorating 120+ years later, is remediated.
It is hoped the still unnetted and unrepaired Bayview baths, which the local residents groups have stated have needed attention and funding allocated for around 10 years now, atop that already allocated previously, as the sole public netted and safe swimming spot for those living along this stretch of Pittwater, may be fit for purpose this Summer.
See: Bayview Public Wharf Gone; Public Baths not safe - Salt Pan Public Wharf Going - December 2024
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The $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, supports the delivery of projects that include upgrades to public boating infrastructure, improvements to disability access, and the development of strategic plans for future needs to deliver safer more accessible waterways for communities across NSW.
Another of the major investments in this round includes $2.3 million towards the upgrade of Matty’s Flat Reserve on the Macleay River.
This project will improve accessibility, enhance safety for boat launching during peak periods, and stimulate economic growth in the Macleay Valley through increased tourism and recreational fishing activity.
Other significant projects include:
- $1.7 million towards the upgrade of Belmont Public Wharf to improve access to Lake Macquarie by enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall usability of the wharf for recreational boaters
- $1.5 million towards the upgrade of the Ulladulla Southern Harbour aging boat ramp that will include expanding the facility with longer ramps and improved access to accommodate a wider range of vessels and will ensure safer and more efficient launching and retrieval
- $1.2 million towards the upgrade of the Lintern Street Wharf and Boat Ramp in Davistown that will enhance accessibility for all users and improve community access to Brisbane Water.
The Boating Infrastructure for Communities program provides grant funding to local councils, government agencies, community groups and the private sector for maritime infrastructure and facilities across NSW that improve safe, accessible and enjoyable recreational and commercial boating.
With many delivery partners contributing up to 50% of total project cost, this program represents a significant investment in maritime infrastructure across NSW, providing long-term benefits to local communities, visitors and the broader boating industry.
All applicants will be notified of their application outcome shortly and a full list of successful projects are available on the Boating Infrastructure for Communities grants page.
In addition, the new $3 million Maritime Boating Infrastructure Maintenance Grants Program has opened to the public.
The first round, with $2 million available, will help repair and maintain public boating infrastructure across NSW. Applicants can apply for up to $50,000 per project up to $100,000 per applicant.
Further details on this grant program are available on the Boating Infrastructure Maintenance grants page.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“These upgrades are about delivering better, safer, and more accessible infrastructure to communities who rely on our waterways for work, leisure and connection.
"From Macleay to Lake Macquarie, Ulladulla to the Hawkesbury, these investments will make a real difference, supporting tourism, local jobs and long-term economic growth in regional NSW.
“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering infrastructure that matters - projects that support safer launching, better access, and inclusive facilities for people of all abilities."
Executive Director NSW Maritime Mark Hutchings, Transport for NSW said:
“Boating is a vital part of life in many NSW communities, and this program ensures that we’re investing where it counts, at the local level.
“These projects will support both recreational and commercial users while strengthening local communities.
“It’s all about making sure our boating infrastructure keeps up with demand and continues to meet the needs of the community - not just for today, but well into the future.”
The announcements are welcome news to locals, with the funding now in place to progress what, for Pittwater, is vital infrastructure.
