January 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 638
Funding to assist Mackerel Beach Wharf upgrade from Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program

Council announced on Monday January 20 2025 has secured almost $1 million in funding towards upgrades at Mackerel Beach Wharf with works expected to commence mid-year.
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 Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club had $5,150,000 approved under the same program for their Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club Centre of Excellence project.
In partnership with the Northern Beaches Council, that project will develop a multi-sport Centre of Excellence at Nolan Reserve North Manly, which it is stated will; 'provide inclusive facilities for recreational, competitive and high-performance use and improve sporting and education focused community engagement'.
New South Wales' communities will share funding of just over $61 million for 15 approved Thriving Suburbs Program projects.
The Australian Government has committed funding over three years, from 2024–25 to 2026–27, for the Thriving Suburbs Program to deliver investment in community infrastructure projects.
The program has been funded to deliver one round of funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that enhance liveability, strengthen social cohesion and support local amenity in urban, suburban and peri-urban communities across Australia's Greater Capital City Statistical Areas. Projects are required to construct new community infrastructure, or expand or upgrade existing infrastructure for wider community benefit. The program is open competitive with funding awarded on a merit basis.
In August 2020, under the Boating Now Round 3 Successful Projects announcements, the council was allocated $70,657 for the Mackerel Beach Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design. The design has been finessed since then, 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
Council haven't progressed the L-shaped wharf concept mentioned in the 2008 PoM masterplan due to the impact the construction would have on the Posidonia Grass (an endangered species of seagrass) and White Seahorses, as it would cover a very large area of seagrass.
This type of construction would also reduce the number of dinghy moorings available.
Council states this type of wharf extension provides improved disability access to the wharf, as well as minimising the long-term maintenance requirements. The area before the ramp will be widened for the dedicated bin storage.
Council have been working with the ferry operators to ensure the wharf will meet their present and future needs. The ferry operator will continue to operate on the northern side with the option to berth on the southern side if required by the tidal impact.
Council have been working with the ferry operator regarding ferry overrun and the risk of the occurrence. Any requirements to manage this will be established as part of the final design.
Ladders will be installed on both sides of the wharf to provide additional access means for residents. Tidal steps have been provided on the southern side of the wharf for day-to-day access by visitors and occupants.
The design works were jointly funded by Council and the Transport for NSW Boating Now Program.
Construction works are to be funded by Council and the grant funding sought, and announced on January 20.
Environmental impacts
The concept 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 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
Council have engaged a local ecologist to provide advice and a report regarding ecological impacts on the site. These recommendations will be fed into our Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
Marine life
The most significant environmental impacts from future construction would be damage to the Posidonia Grass (seagrass) and White Seahorses.
To mitigate risks to the environment, specialised dive teams will relocate all seahorses before any demolition works were to commence.
Barge work will also be undertaken to minimise any potential damage to seagrass.
Mitigation measures may include:
- working only in high tides
- no anchors or spuds to be used to hold barges in place.
- no extended period of mooring barges in the same location (such that seagrass is deprived of sunlight)
- offsetting seagrass away from the new structure.
During construction:
Council are 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.
The Draft Concept Plan (drawing) and Frequently Asked Questions and updates are available at the project webpage: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/mackerel-beach-wharf-upgrade
