Green light for Tathra Wharf restoration
Work will get underway in October on vital upgrades to an iconic 160-year-old heritage listed wharf in the South Coast town of Tathra to support regional tourism and maritime history.
Crown Lands is contributing $7.81 million under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program to Bega Valley Shire Council towards the wharf’s restoration as part of wider upgrades to the Tathra headland precinct.
“The heritage-listed Tathra Wharf is a South Coast icon and a recreation and tourism magnet so this funding will ensure the 1862 structure is restored for future generations while supporting jobs and the region’s economy,” Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said.
Tathra Wharf is one of the few remaining coastal deep-water wharves of the coastal shipping era and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
The wharf sustained significant damage during a 2016 east coast low which required urgent repair work, with structural inspections also identifying deteriorated piles, girders and decking that required further major restoration work.
The government funding will support Council efforts to restore the wharf consistent with heritage requirements, as part of its wider plan to upgrade the Tathra headland and improve traffic, cycle and pedestrian connections.
Bega Valley Shire Council Acting Assets and Operations Director, Ian Macfarlane, said a contract had been signed with GPM Marine Constructions to upgrade the wharf so it can be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.
“Without restoration works and financial backing from the NSW Government we could at some stage risk losing this historic wharf to the sea,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“All works will be like-for-like meeting NSW State Heritage requirements to preserve the timeless character of this iconic local structure.”
Work will include replacement of wharf piles, headstocks, girders, decking, the stock yard and stock race, as well as replacement of handrails, ladders and lighting.
Upgrade work is expected to take about 12 months to complete, weather permitting.
On completion of substructure restoration, the wharf building will undergo work on cladding, weatherproofing and utility services requiring a separate heritage approval and tender process.
Further information on the Tathra Wharf restoration project can be found on the Council’s website.
