Coffs Harbour boat ramp redevelopment about to begin

Work is set to begin on boat ramp upgrade as boaties show what can be achieved with a surge in public support.

Like a castaway longing for rescue on a deserted island, Coffs Harbour boaties have waited what seems like an age for an upgrade to their boat ramp.

On Tuesday there was a collective sigh of relief on the water as it was officially revealed that works will commence on the $14 million renewal project this month.

As part of the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp Precinct Enhancement Committee, John Radford, Geoff Parker and John Lawler have been there from the start and they were delighted to stand next to Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and discuss the ripple effects the redevelopment will have on the region.

Not only will the ramp be extended to enable more boats to launch during busy periods, Mr Lawler said the extension of the breakwall, or groyne, would help reduce the notorious surge and ensure greater safety for boaties.

John Lawler has been instrumental in securing the long awaited $14 million redevelopment of the Coffs Harbour boat ramp which will commence in August. Photo: Tim Jarrett / Coffs Coast Advocate

“There has been a lot of work, a lot of study and a lot of modelling … that has been done to try and reduce the sediment build-up and wave action which has been the predominant issue we have been dealing with here in Coffs Harbour for decades,” Mr Lawler said.

“I feel very proud, this is not something that is done for us personally, this is about doing something that is good for the community that visitors and locals alike can benefit from.”

“The committee is very pleased with the outcome that has been achieved thus far, there is still a little more work to go to make sure that exactly what is designed is built.”

The first stage of work, which will begin this month, will extend the breakwall, widen the ramp to six lanes and complete much needed dredging work. The second stage, beginning in January, will involve upgrading the car park, realigning Jordan Esplanade, constructing an amenities block and improving features such as lighting, fish cleaning tables and outdoor furniture.

Geoff Parker, Gurmesh Singh, John Radford and John Lawler were on hand to officially get the project underway. Photo: Tim Jarrett / Coffs Coast Advocate

Mr Singh said it had been “an absolute pleasure” working alongside the committee to get the project up.

“I was able to place absolute trust in them because they are the experts in the field and we have got a really, really good outcome,” he said.

“They are to be applauded for the work they have put in as volunteers, they are going to have a lasting legacy.”

The redevelopment has been a long time coming and really ramped up in 2018 when the committee was formed in response to the safety concerns stemming from sand build up at the entrance to the boat ramp basin and treacherous surge, particularly at high tide, which caused damage to many boats over the years.

The group work tirelessly to get the project happening and even presented a petition with more than 12,000 signatures to NSW Parliament.

Addressing the time it has taken to get to this point, Mr Parker said it was important that they got the planning right to achieve the best outcome.

John Radford has been with the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp Precinct Enhancement Committee from the beginning, helping the group amass more than 12,000 signatures in support of a revamped ramp. Photo: Tim Jarrett / Coffs Coast Advocate

Countless hours had been spent on the project by both volunteers and professionals.

While Mr Parker said sand build up would still be an issue, as it is in all areas of the harbour, the modelling suggested the extension of the groyne would make a significant difference, which in turn meant less dredging.

“What the modelling shows is that the surge will be reduced and the sand accumulation will also be reduced. But in any event, the boaters will be out in deeper water and away from that rock bank where in Easter 2018 boats were washed up on,” he said.

Geoff Parker has been launching boats across the Coffs Coast for decades and has been instrumental in securing the upgrade with the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp Precinct Enhancement Committee. Photo: Tim Jarrett / Coffs Coast Advocate

The development was boosted in November when the state government cast an extra $4 million at the project as part of tracked maritime upgrades through their Covid-19 stimulus measures.

Geoff Parker, who has been launching boats across the Coffs Coast for decades, said it was an example of what can be achieved without an “apathetic approach” to life.

“A lot of people … (think) ‘what difference can I make?’ – well this is what a couple of people can do with commitment,” he said.

“It’s just a straight out commitment to do something for the community.”