The wharf upgrade aims to meet current engineering standards and improve accessibility for users and the local community.
Council have met with local residents throughout development of the concept design, and would now like to hear from the wider community for any additional feedback.
Feedback closes Sunday December 8, 2024.
Key features of the proposed upgrade include:
- moving the wharf back to the area where it slopes to the wharf head
- extending the wharf by approximately 35m to approximately 105m total length to provide access at all tidal times for all users that complies with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
- providing a dedicated bin storage area.
3D model of the Mackerel Wharf Design. Image courtesy: Northern Beaches Council
Council haven't we progressed the L-shaped wharf concept mentioned in the 2008 PoM 2008 masterplan due to the impact the construction would have on the Posidonia Grass (an endangered species of seagrass) and White Seahorses, as it would cover a very large area of seagrass.
This type of construction would also reduce the number of dinghy moorings available.
Council states this type of wharf extension provides improved disability access to the wharf, as well as minimising the long-term maintenance requirements. The area before the ramp will be widened for the dedicated bin storage.
Council have been working with the ferry operators to ensure the wharf will meet their present and future needs. The ferry operator will continue to operate on the northern side with the option to berth on the southern side if required by the tidal impact.
Council have been working with the ferry operator regarding ferry overrun and the risk of the occurrence. Any requirements to manage this will be established as part of the final design.
Ladders will be installed on both sides of the wharf to provide additional access means for residents. Tidal steps have been provided on the southern side of the wharf for day-to-day access by visitors and occupants.
The design works are jointly funded by Council and the Transport for NSW Boating Now Program.
Construction works are to be funded by Council and grant funding will be sought.
Environmental impacts
The concept design has taken a number of environmental impacts into consideration including:
- short‐term impacts to water quality during the works
- loss of public access during the works area
- short‐term noise and vibration impacts associated primarily with the piling works
- loss of or damage to seagrasses
- risk of dislodgement and dispersal of the aquatic pest Caulerpa taxifolia
- short‐term impacts to biodiversity, particularly White’s Seahorse, due to noise and localised loss of habitat and water quality impacts
Council have engaged a local ecologist to provide advice and a report regarding ecological impacts on the site. These recommendations will be fed into our Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
Marine life
The most significant environmental impacts from future construction would be damage to the Posidonia Grass (seagrass) and White Seahorses.
To mitigate risks to the environment, specialised dive teams will relocate all seahorses before any demolition works were to commence.
Barge work will also be undertaken to minimise any potential damage to seagrass.
Mitigation measures may include:
- working only in high tides
- no anchors or spuds to be used to hold barges in place.
- no extended period of mooring barges in the same location (such that seagrass is deprived of sunlight)
- offsetting seagrass away from the new structure.
During construction:
Council are investigating options for a temporary structure for use during construction. This will be discussed with the successful contractor at the tender stage to provide the best outcome. The existing ladders will still be in place.
Have your say
Council invite you to view the plans and provide your feedback by:
- completing the comment form here: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/mackerel-beach-wharf-upgrade
- emailing or writing to them. Please include 'Mackerel Beach - Wharf upgrade' in the subject line of all email or written feedback.
- Email address: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
The Draft Concept Plan (drawing) and Frequently Asked Questions replies are available at the project webpage: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/mackerel-beach-wharf-upgrade
All comments in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information, and content which is discriminatory, hateful or which may defame, offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate will be redacted.