Tweed Heads boat maintenance facility
Project overview
The NSW Government is delivering major improvements to maritime infrastructure and facilities to help the boating and wider community safely access, use and navigate our rivers and coastal waters.
Latest news
June 2023 – Update on the progress of the project
Works is in the final stage as we prepare for the operation of the site.
The concrete hardstand has been completed with the final fitting of fencing, services and modular office block being completed at the start of June.
We are expecting construction on the travel lift to be completed in the coming weeks. Assembly and commissioning (testing) of the lift will start in the first few weeks of June.
We anticipate full operation of the facility to commence in late-June, and will provide a progress update in the coming weeks.
Dec 2022 - Waterside works are underway
Works are progressing well with the completion of all piling works for the Tweed Heads Boat Maintenance Facility Project. The 13 pre-cast runway beams for the travel lift were fabricated offsite and have been installed. The floating pontoons, travel lift walkways, handrails and gangway will be completed prior to Christmas. The winch housing office and amenities block have been demolished and we will commence shortly on the demolition of the site existing slab, which will be removed progressively in and in accordance with Remedial Action Plan. Procurement of long lead time items is currently underway to support the project delivery.
View or download the December 2022 project update. (PDF, 6.21 MB)
Aug 2022 - Early works being in late August
Our team will be on-site in mid-August to set-up the site for the Tweed Heads Boat Maintenance Facility project. See below for more information on the staging of the work and what to expect during construction.
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Project information
Background
The NSW Government recognises the continued need to support the renewal and upgrade of boating infrastructure and facilities with local significance for recreational and commercial boating throughout the state.
The Tweed River is used by recreational boaters, commercial fishing vessels and maritime related tourism operators. The slipway has been in operation since the 1960’s and now requires replacement as it only serviced a small number and range of vessels due to its deteriorating condition and reduced lifting capability.
What are we proposing?
The scope of the project we will deliver in 2022 and early 2023 comprises of:
- demolishing the deteriorating existing Boat Maintenance Facility, including the slipway rails, winch and cradle
- demolishing the office building, workshop and storage container and replace with new building and storage container
- constructing a levelled hardstand area with new pavement surface and drainage
- constructing overwater lift platforms
- installing service pontoons and access gangways
- installing a new 75–tonne boat travel lift (PDF, 1.18 MB)
- installing a commercial wastewater treatment system.
Benefits
The project will:
- increase community access and use of the boat maintenance facility
- increase safety for users of the boat maintenance facility by upgrading services and equipment to meet current guidelines
- protect and improve the Tweed marine environment by upgrading the drainage and wastewater treatment system
- improved facilities for boat users with new office storage areas and a 75-tonne boat travel lift
- improved 'look and feel' of the area.
Next steps
Boat Maintenance Facility/Travel Life
- Travel lift installation and commission – underway
- Operator appointment and onboarding – complete.
We are expecting the construction to be completed in the coming weeks.
Community information
Community updates
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When will the project be complete?
Work commences on the Tweed Heads Boat Maintenance Facility in late August 2022. The works are expected to be completed in June 2023, conditions permitting.
What will the work schedule be like?
Our work hours will be between 7am and 6pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
There will be no work on Sundays or on public holidays (unless notified otherwise).
How will our work affect you?
You may begin to notice some activity at our project site. The work will involve piling, truck deliveries, marine vessel movement, concrete works and installation of materials.
Our work may be noisy at times, but we will do everything we can to minimise its impact, including by keeping within our permitted work hours and notifying residents before work starts.
The project team will also help reduce noise by turning off machines and vehicles when they are not being used.
If Aboriginal heritage items are uncovered during the work, all work in the vicinity of the find must cease and the Transport Project Team notified immediately.
An assessment of ecology in the vicinity of the proposed works was undertaken and in the event there is presence of marine life within the site area, works will cease.
We will implement some temporary traffic controls for the safety of motorists, pedestrians and workers.
Access for construction vehicles will be along council approved routes. Please keep to speed limits, follow signs and traffic controllers' directions at all times.
Navigational buoys and markers will be installed on the southern side of the river for the duration of the project for the safety of marine vessel operators during construction.
Who is the operator of the travel lift and how can I get in contact?
The preferred operator is GC Boatyards. GC Boatyards may be contacted via phone on 02 6516 2209 or via the contact form at www.gcboatyards.com.au.
Is the Boat Maintenance Facility open to public/ recreational vessels?
Yes, the boat maintenance facility will service recreational vessels.
Will I need to pay to use the facilities?
Yes. Rates will apply to use these facilities. For more information please contact GC Boatyards on 02 6516 2209 or via contact form at www.gcboatyards.com.au.
Can I do work on my boat on the maintenance stand?
For more information please contact GC Boatyards on 02 6516 2209 or via the contact form at www.gcboatyards.com.au.
What size will the boat travel lift be?
The boat travel lift for this project will be 75–tonne.
The boat travel lift being used on the project is custom–built to have an internal width of 8.4 metres, which is wider than a standard 75–tonne boat travel lift, and is similar width to the 100–tonne travel lift used on the Gold Coast.
Please refer to the ASCOM boat travel lift specification (PDF, 1.18 MB) for further details.
Now the slipway is closed, what will happen if I need emergency repairs or inspections?
We suggest that you develop an emergence repair or inspection plan for your vessel and investigate local alternatives.
If you require an emergency lift, please reach out via email to property.managment@transport.nsw.gov.au
In emergency situations vessel operators should contact 000 and seek assistance from NSW Water Police and Marine Rescue.
I require an AMSA Survey during the project, how do I apply for an exemption?
We have recently reached out to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for further information on survey exemptions due to the project's impact on the community and business. We are currently seeking advice around specific exemptions.
Please reach out to our project team using the contact details below if you have any questions.
Will the boat travel lift platform impact navigation in the area?
The design and location of the boat travel lift was developed to ensure it continues to provide safe navigation and access.
The design has been assessed by our Maritime Operations team and the appropriate navigational aids or signage will be put in place to advise navigation changes when the project is completed.
When construction starts temporary navigational buoys installed on the southern side of the river for the duration of the project to indicate the work area.
Please be aware there may be temporary changes in the area and follow any on–water navigational aids.
Why isn't Stage 2 being constructed now?
The proposed Stage 2 works would allow for an expansion of the hardstand area at a future time. Stage 2 was planned, designed and consultation was completed during this project.
Stage 2 will require additional funding which will be considered as part of the future budget submissions. To find out more about Stage 2, please refer to our previous community update.
Is on-water fuelling facility included in the project?
On-water fuelling facility is not part of the scope of this project and there is no additional funding to provide at this time.
Project documents
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Reports
Contact us
For further information about this project contact:
Phone: 1800 955 818 (toll free)