The Beagle Editor,
The Batemans Bay Boaters Association Inc has just received a formal quotation/proposal from an international marina developer with a great history of installing floating concrete pontoons in Oz and other parts of the world. The required 225 m concrete Floating Pontoons from the public T-Wharf jetty to Ampol Jetty (Town Wharf) in front of the Star Fish Deli would only cost $800,000 while the piles and installation is a further $350,000. There would be a break in the pontoons for the Innes Ferry to moor and water and electricity facilities are included.
An example of a pontoon perfect for visiting cruise boats
In discussion with their engineer the location does not present a significant engineering problem however the lead time from today to installation with all the approvals required is the real challenge the engineer states. Now these pontoons would provide great facilities for boaters, fishers and the current talk of the town cruise ship tenders to come alongside and off load their passengers. People will be able to walk on this dock while kids can fish from it. So what is holding up just getting this proposal to fly? Well vested interests come into play. John Holland rightly state it is outside their remit. The members of the RMS chaired Batemans Bay Foreshore Advisory Committee have tried and tried but have been unable to raise it as an agenda item in 5 meetings. The Member for Bega has been shown the mud map of the proposal. Batemans Bay Boaters Association Inc
An example of what can be achieved with a floating concrete pontoon - Yarra River, Melbourne
Design and Construction of Floating Jetties at 4 inner city locations along the Yarra River, Melbourne Photo and project by Australian Project Solutions
