Kamay ferry wharves

On 17 March 2023, the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) approved the Kamay Ferry Wharves Project under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Submissions Report is now available addressing the project's response to feedback received during the EIS, including next steps. View the submissions report and other project information on the planning portal.

An animation has been developed to bring the Kamay Ferry Wharves proposed design to life. Please view the animation video on this page.

Transport for NSW is continuing to develop its plans to reinstate the ferry wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell.

This project supports the Kamay 2020 Project that was presented to the community in 2018.

A ferry service operated between Kurnell and La Perouse from the 1890s until 1974 when severe storms damaged the wharves.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has established a project team to undertake the planning, design, assessment, and delivery of the La Perouse and Kurnell wharves and associated infrastructure.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Bidjigal and Gweagal clans who traditionally occupied Kamay (Botany Bay). We also wish to acknowledge and pay respects to all Elders, past, present and emerging.

Transport for NSW is pleased to announce the engagement of the Gujaga Foundation to the team working on the Kamay Ferry Wharves Project.

The Gujaga Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation leading language, cultural and research activities within the La Perouse Aboriginal community.

The Gujaga Foundation will work with the design team (led by Arup), key people with ancient links to Kamay, the La Perouse Aboriginal community, Elders, knowledge holders and local artists to translate stories into elements that will be incorporated in the design of the wharves.

The engagement of the Gujaga Foundation will support the health and wellbeing of Country by valuing, respecting, and being guided by Aboriginal people via meaningful engagement to ensure culturally sensitive outcomes are achieved. The engagement of the Gujaga Foundation is also aligned to TfNSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan and demonstrates TfNSW’s commitment to meaningful reconciliation at the location of the First Meeting Place.

There continues to be broad government and community support on both sides of Botany Bay to reinstate the ferry wharves with potential historic, social, tourism, transport and economic benefits.

The Kamay 2020 Master Plan considers reinstatement of the wharves as being integral to the design for the upgraded Kurnell Precinct.

The project is expected to provide benefits for La Perouse, Kurnell and Sydney, including:

• providing better access to the Kurnell Precinct to support a cultural Meeting Place for the community
• supporting the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell, Master Plan to upgrade the precinct and provide access by water to the National Park
• providing access to walking and cycling routes around Botany Bay and along the coastline
• improved access and facilities for recreational vessels
• investment opportunities leading to creation of jobs and wider economic benefits, to the construction, tourism, and hospitality sectors
• providing sustainable public transport options for our customers
• safer access for recreational fishing.

In 2018 the Office of Environment and Heritage (now the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment) completed the Kamay Botany Bay National Park Kurnell Precinct Master Plan.

On 28th April 2018, the Prime Minister and Federal Treasurer announced $50 million in funding towards Stage 1 of the Master Plan with contributions coming from both the Commonwealth ($25 million) and NSW ($25 million) Governments.

Stage 1 of the Master Plan includes the re-establishment of the wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was exhibited by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) from July to August 2021.

The EIS provided information on the project, including its environmental impacts and mitigation measures. Submissions made during the exhibition period will be used to inform planning approvals.

The NSW and Commonwealth determination, including any conditions of approval and the Planning Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Report, will be published on the Major Projects website following determination.

We will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses.