Manly Wharf 3: Work to replace dodgy dock on backburner

A $25m bid to replace a dodgy dock in one of Sydney’s busiest tourism hubs has been put on the backburner.

An artist's impression of the proposed refurbished Wharf 3 at Manly, showing the widened promenade and covered seating. Picture: TfNSW

The NSW Government has put a key $25 million infrastructure project, meant to improve commuter ferry and private boat services to the northern beaches, on the backburner.

Despite official Transport for NSW (TfNSW) documents stating that construction of a new, safer dock to replace Manly Wharf 3 would begin in 2023, work hasn’t started.

Transport officials had stated in documents that there were “existing risks and accessibility (for disabled passengers) using the current facility including difficulty for customers embarking and disembarking during poor weather conditions”.

“During inclement weather and rough wave conditions it is difficult for vessels to safely berth against the existing structure,” the documents stated.

Wharf 3, just east of the main Manly Wharf, is used by Manly Fast Ferry for its services to Watsons Bay — operated by Fantasea Cruises — as well as charter boats, water taxis and private vessels.

The current Manly Wharf 3 (right) was set to be replaced by a new wharf as part of the $25m proposal. Picture: Supplied

The lack of construction work comes close to four years after the transport minister in the previous Coalition Government, Andrew Constance, and the state Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin, announced $25m in funding towards the planning and construction budget for the upgrade.

TfNSW planners even began community consultation in late 2021 and released a review of environmental factors for Wharf 3 for public comment in October 2022.

A section of Manly Wharf. Picture: Julie Cross

But under the NSW Labor Government, which had said it was putting a number of infrastructure projects on ice to rein in state debt, there is no date for construction to begin.

When asked if the rebuild wad delayed due to government budget restraints and when work would begin, TfNSW replied in a statement that “Transport for NSW is currently reviewing next steps for the Wharf 3 Development”.

An artist's impression of the proposed refurbished Wharf 3 at Manly.

An artist's impression of the proposed refurbished Wharf 3, right, at Manly.

It had been proposed that the new wharf would feature a widened public promenade, a covered customer waiting area with seating, a hydraulically controlled vessel boarding platform (to cater for sea level changes,) and a gangway connecting the main waiting area to the hydraulic platform.

A diagram of the proposed upgrade to Manly Wharf 3.

An area where recreational and smaller commercial vessels could berth may be part of the final design.

Mr Griffin said that it was obvious Wharf 3 needed a “great deal of work”.

“I’m prepared to give the government the benefit of the doubt that they’ve merely overlooked the funding,” he said.

Commuters on Wharf 3 in 2017, waiting for a ferry to Barangaroo. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

Passengers are open to the weather on Wharf 3. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

“This was a commitment that was made, not only to the people of Manly, but commuters and visitors from right across NSW.

“The wharf is not up to scratch, so I’m encouraging them to get work back on track.”

Mr Griffin said as the local community pushed to bring back a direct Manly to Barangaroo ferry service, Wharf 3 would play a key role.

“It needs to be fixed up.”

TfNSW said the wharf was still fully operational.

“We are committed to ensuring it continues to serve the community effectively,” a TfNSW statement said.

“Our priority remains with maintaining the ongoing use and safety of the wharf, and we will continue to monitor its condition.”