Construction of Kamay wharves to start soon
Construction work to rebuild wharves at Kurnell and La Perouse, part of the NSW Government’s Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Master Plan, is due to start in July.
The plan, which is being delivered by Transport for NSW and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, aims to improve visitor experience at Kurnell and La Perouse, including access to the national park.
To prepare for construction, the project team will carry out investigation work later this month at both La Perouse and Kurnell. This will include locating underwater cable and carrying out surveys on the road, kerb and other locations within the area as well as relocating seagrass.
Transport for NSW is partnering with the University of NSW and Gamay Rangers to relocate Posidonia australis seagrass from Botany Bay to nearby meadows to ensure it is preserved and replanted in nearby areas where seagrass has previously been lost. They will also replant Posidonia australis fragments collected from shorelines around Botany Bay.
This restoration work aims to create a greater area of habitat for this seagrass than the current area.
“Replacing these wharves will allow for future ferry access between both sides of Kamay Botany Bay National Park,” said Mark Hutchings, Chief Operations Officer at Transport for NSW.
“The wharves will also improve access for locals and visitors in small commercial and recreational boats and for people to swim, dive, fish, walk and enjoy the local sights.”
He said the project recognises the rich culture and ongoing importance of the area to Aboriginal people.
“Feedback from the community has helped to guide the project’s design - and stories of Country have been embedded into elements of the wharves.
“Large-scale artworks by two local Aboriginal artists have been integrated into the designs of the jetty and the shelter structures at La Perouse and Kurnell," he added.
Noeleen Timbery, Chairperson of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, said the building of the ferry wharves will support future cultural education and tourism operations and environmental protection programs, and support retail and hospitality services within the local Aboriginal community.
“Kamay has been our home for millennia. Building the new ferry wharves will help us restore and strengthen our connection across Kamay in a contemporary practice of continuing culture.
“We strongly support the Kamay Ferry Wharves Project, for the multiple cultural and economic opportunities it will bring to the Aboriginal community and wider community,” Ms Timbery said.
Community drop-in sessions are being held on the following dates:
- Saturday 3 June from 2pm to 4pm near the La Perouse Monument off Anzac Parade; and
- Saturday 17 June from 2pm to 4pm in the park near the corner of Captain Cook Drive and Prince Charles Parade at Kurnell.
“We’d encourage anyone who would like to learn more about the project or who has questions on any aspect of it to come along and meet the project team,” said Mr Hutchings.
The wharves are expected to be finished in late 2024.
More information about the project can be found at:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/kamay-ferry-wharves
Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell Master Plan
More information about Posidonia australis seagrass can be found at:
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/what-current/endangered-populations2/posidonia-australis#Why%20Is%20Posidonia%20Australis%20Important