Currawong Wharf Upgrade: Draft REF Open for Feedback Closes October 6
The council has opened for feedback its Draft Review of the Environmental Factors (REF) report for the upgrade of the Currawong Beach wharf. Feedback opened September 4 and closes October 6.
The wharf will be extended by 33.6 metres (m) through a series of fixed ramps and landings to provide DDA compliant ferry access at all levels of the tide, with stepped access between each landing. The wharf extension is to be designed and constructed using timber structural materials (piles, decking and sub-structure) to match the existing wharf and the history of Pittwater.
However, once again, the council proposes the lower-level landings are to be constructed from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), which is putting plastic into the tidal zone.
A 2025 Australian study on the use of this in wharves shows it begins deteriorating as it is being installed and continues to shed microplastics into waterways the whole time it is in place.
See August 2025 report: Community Concerned Over the Increase of Plastic Products Being Used by the Northern Beaches Council for Installations in Pittwater's Environment
Although the council has stated in other instances it has used and is using this product is due to 'cost effectiveness', residents state this is handing on the cost of despoiling the environment to future generations, and poisoning all else in the aquatic environment from the first day of installation day on.
Remediation of existing wharf structural elements using like-for-like materials if required is also part of the Draft REF.
The council states the upgrade of Currawong Beach Wharf is to improve accessibility for users and the local community.
''There is an issue of the structure meeting accessibility requirements and the need to cater for our growing aging community needs.'' the FAQ's states
''The Currawong site is an important location for our community, it is listed on the State Heritage Register and we are managing the works sensitively in association with Office of Environment and Heritage and in alignment with the Conservation Management Plan for the area.'' council's project webpage states.
''We have met with local resident groups throughout development of the concept and detailed design, and would now like to hear from the wider community on any additional feedback.
''A draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has also been prepared, outlining how we will manage all environmental and heritage considerations during the works. Construction would be timed to avoid interference with seahorse breeding season.''
''We invite you to view the 3D render image (above) and provide your feedback by:
- completing the comment form below, or
- emailing or writing to us. Please include 'Currawong Beach - Wharf upgrade' in the subject line of all email or written feedback.
Comments close Monday 6 October 2025, 11.59pm.
Email: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
In writing: marked 'Currawong Beach - Wharf upgrade', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
The council received over $3 million in funding in August 2025, with $1,108,026 approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime, for Currawong.
See the August report: Brilliant News: Bayview - Mackerel - Currawong Wharves Allocated $3,173,117 for Upgrades under Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grant Program
During construction, the council is investigating options for a temporary structure for use; ''this will be discussed with the successful contractor at the tender stage to provide the best outcome.''
The council states it has considered the number of boat moorings at the site with regards to increasing the number available during the design stage to ensure the impact on number of dinghy moorings available, and that the monitoring will continue to be managed by Transport for NSW.
The final number of tie-ups will be determined in the final design.
The Draft REF is available to download now at: currawong-beach-wharf-upgrade
The REF is thorough, including requirements, among others, such as:
• Pre-works briefing is to be undertaken for all contractors advising staff of sensitive areas and relevant safeguards for these areas. The deployment of ropes, anchors, blocks, chains and similar devices to carry out works is to be kept to a minimum to prevent seabed damage or potential impacts on fauna.
• A seagrass dilapidation assessment is to be undertaken prior to construction and 12 months after the new wharf extension is operational to determine if any loss of seagrass has occurred during construction and/or operation of the new wharf extension. This assessment will include any losses to seagrass on the ferry turn in/out route.
• A pre-construction syngnathid survey must occur by specialised dive teams (including to piles and pile bases), with any syngnathids found to be relocated to other suitable natural or artificial habitats near the wharf in accordance with any permit requirements. Deployment of ‘seahorse hotels’ could also be undertaken prior to construction works commencing for this purpose.
• Posidonia plants that will be directly impacted due to piling are to be collected and relocated into old propeller scars or mooring block holes as appropriate.
• Vessel operations are to be done at a high tide, where possible, and the pushing vessel must be operated in such a manner as to minimise sediment disturbance or disturbance to all the seagrass beds.
• There will be no stockpiling of demolition or construction materials on the seabed.
• No vessel is to be taken over or left over the indicated marine vegetation (seagrass bed) habitats unless there is adequate vessel clearance depth (including allowance for tidal movement plus wind, vessel and swell wave heights). The estimations of clearance depths will also need to account for vessel propulsion gear clearance depths to ensure no propeller or wash scouring damage.
• No vessel is to be moored with anchor or other bottom tackle located in the marine vegetation habitats and, where possible, the construction contractor should utilise existing infrastructure for mooring rather than setting temporary mooring blocks.
Construction is scheduled to take place in 2026/27.
