Two positive signs have emerged over the past week raising hopes for improved boating facilities for North Arm Cove. These are:
1. The release of a draft Regional Boating Plan for Port Stephens which makes supportive comments about the Cove's requirements; and
2. A ministerial release boosting the annual funding for boating from $5m per year to $14m per year
North Arm Cove was fortunate to receive a small grant in the last round of the Better Boating Program to install small dinghy/kayak launching ramps at Water Street and Casuarina Reserves. These together with the now installed dinghy racks and planned kayak racks will significantly improve facilities for local boating. Work on those small ramps is expected to start in the next few weeks.
But the Cove still seeks an all-tides boat ramp and a jetty. This need is recognised in the regional strategy which includes the following observation:
Smaller towns such as Tahlee and North Arm Cove on Port Stephens have insufficient or no waterway access facilities. Enhanced waterway access at these locations would be beneficial for recreational boaters and the community. Due to the isolated nature of these towns, access facilities would also provide alternate emergency evacuation options. Further consultation with councils and suggestions raised through submissions on this Consultation Draft will be used to inform priority projects to be included in the final Regional Boating Plan.
An information night on this Strategy Document will be held on 12 August at Nelson Bay Bowling and Rec Club at 6pm. A submission in response to an earlier version of this document has been made on behalf of the Residents Association resulting in some changes to the final draft. Submissions close on 24 August.
The Minister for Roads and Freight, Duncan Gay has indicated that the increased funding ($14m/year for five years) to be called NSW Boating Now will be "delivered through partnerships with other organisations including Local Councils". He went on to say:
The new funds will be allocated according to 11 new Regional Boating Plans being developed in consultation with Councils, boating stakeholders and waterway users in each region. I encourage members of the maritime industry, everyday recreational boaters and anyone else with an interest in the state’s waterways to provide their feedback during this process. We need to hear the views of the people who use these waterways the most, to help ensure that the projects delivered through NSW Boating Now provide the most benefit to the boating experience in NSW.
The Cove community, working through its Residents Association, needs to seek the support of Council, the NSW Boating Now team and our local member to have the best chance of delivering on this twenty-year-plus dream.
