Manning River site restored with removal of derelict wharf

A culturally-significant part of the Manning River has been restored through a partnership between NSW Government agencies and the local Aboriginal community to improve public safety, protect Aboriginal heritage and rehabilitate the local environment.

Bohnock Wharf, near the Manning Point Road bridge at Taree, was built in the early 1900s in the early days of shipping on the river, about 5 kilometres upstream of its southern entrance at Old Bar.

The disused wharf had badly deteriorated in recent years leaving three large concrete slabs on the riverbank. Its removal has made the surrounding Crown reserve safer, cleaner and better protected.

Under Disaster Recovery funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Crown Lands), in consultation with local Aboriginal custodians, collaborated on a $210,000 project to remove the disintegrating wharf, old fencing and weeds, and stabilise and restore the riverbed and surrounding bank.

The project balanced environmental restoration with the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage, supported by environmental planning and heritage approvals.

Specialist company Rock-it Science was contracted to remove the wharf, grade the riverbank, and install a sloping revetment wall using over three tonnes of natural stone and shell rock to stabilise and protect the riverbank from erosion. The surrounding land was then revegetated.

An Aboriginal midden near the wharf was carefully managed with shell material sensitively removed, analysed, preserved and repatriated.

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said:

"The removal of the derelict Bohnock Wharf and restoration of the riverbank is a strong example of government agencies working together with the local Aboriginal community to make the Manning River safer, cleaner and better protected for the local community.

"This is a project with an immediate community benefit and it’s pleasing to see the positive impact in terms of the overall appeal of this area."