Concept designs on exhibition for Bermagui and Pambula boat ramps

8 December 2021

The concept designs for the Bermagui Harbour and Pambula Lake (Broadwater) boat ramp upgrades are ready for public exhibition, with works planned to commence mid next year.

Council’s Manager of Leisure and Recreation, John Grady said the project aims to improve the standard of these recreational boating facilities and increase use and visitation to the region.

“The Bermagui Harbour boat ramp is one of the shire’s busiest boat ramps, with hundreds of visitors taking part in fishing competitions or enjoying the fabulous waters off Bermagui,” Mr Grady said.

“The Pambula Lake (Broadwater) boat ramp is also constantly used by locals and visitors, as well as commercial operators including oyster farmers, abalone and urchin harvesters and commercial fishermen.

“The projects will significantly improve the function and safety of the boat ramps and provide up-to-date facilities for locals and visitors alike.

“Significant consultation with local clubs and organisations helped us bring together these concept designs for exhibition and we’d like to thank the Bermagui and Pambula boating and fishing communities for their input.

“We’d also like to thank the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee members for their involvement in the projects.

“The concept designs are now available on our website and we encourage all potential users of the facilities to take a look.

“The next step is to seek the new Council’s endorsement of the designs early next year and then go out to tender for construction.

“While the boat ramps will need to close during construction, we’re aiming to undertake the work mid-year during the quieter months to minimise the disruption, and a temporary boat ramp will be available at Pambula for commercial operators.”

The upgrade to the Bermagui Harbour boat ramp will deliver a three-lane reinforced concrete ramp, a new additional pontoon to improve accessibility and capacity, a resurfaced car park and an upgrade to lighting in key locations. Users will be able to launch their boats at the nearby Bermagui River boat ramp during construction, noting the bridge may affect ocean access for some boats.

The upgrade to the Pambula Lake (Broadwater) boat ramp will deliver a new two-lane reinforced concrete boat ramp, a new pontoon to improve accessibility and capacity, an upgrade of the exit road to lessen congestion, improved car parking near the ramp and pontoon and an upgrade of the lighting in key locations. Users will be able to launch their boats at Quarantine Bay boat ramp, approximately 18 km south of the Pambula Lake boat ramp, during construction. Commercial operators (oyster farmers, abalone and urchin harvesters and commercial fishermen) will be able to launch their punts or boats at a temporary boat ramp during construction activities.

The projects are being funded with significant contributions from the NSW Government through the Boating Now program, as well as Council contributions.

More information about the projects, including the concept designs, are available on Council’s website at https://begavalley.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-HTA-11-85-66