Eden Wharf: Changes mooted for smaller vessel to use extension
After spending $44 million on extending Eden Wharf so cruiseliners can dock, the Port Authority of NSW wants to now allow other vessels in as COVID-19 cripples the cruising industry.
The South Coast News
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The Port Authority of NSW has applied to open the $44m Eden Wharf extension to smaller vessels as the COVID-19 crisis forces the temporary suspension all cruiseship services.
Cruiseliners have not docked at Eden Port since March 10 and its unknown when the cruise industry will return to the Far South Coast as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
NSW’s port authority has submitted a modification to the use of the extended wharf to the NSW Planning Panel to allow vessels up to 100 metres in length to use the Eden Cruise Facility.
Operations begun at the facility last year after $44 million was invested from all levels of government. From September 15, 2019 to March 10, 2020, 18 cruiseships disembarked passengers at the state’s southernmost port.
In a report to the NSW Government, Port Authority of NSW identified economic impacts as a reason for allowing smaller vessels such as fishing boats to use the wharf extension.
Existing mooring facilities within Snug Cove are at near capacity it says.
Changes would allow fishing vessels, tugs, barges, lines boats, yachts and other vessels with sizes up to 100 metres in length to conduct activities such as loading/unloading, refuelling, maintenance, servicing, passenger embarkation and disembarkation.
“The COVID-19 crisis together with the recent summer bushfires, have resulted in significantly reduced business activity in the region and subsequent negative economic impacts to the local community,” Port Authority of NSW submitted in its modification report.
“Recently, Port Authority has identified a number of small businesses interested in using the extended wharf. Typically, the demand is for small/medium business operators with vessels less than 100 metres in length.
“Allowing these businesses to utilise the Facility at times when it is not occupied by a cruise ship would contribute to the creation of jobs and stimulate economic activity in the area.”
Bega Valley Shire Council, tourism bodies and some small businesses support the change, the Port Authority submitted.