Bayside Council has endorsed a proposal to partially demolish Dolls Point Wharf at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 22 April following an onsite inspection by Councillors.
This inspection will include a briefing on safety issues arising from the shallow water and sand surrounding the remnants of the wharf.
The Dolls Point Wharf is a concrete structure of concrete piers, headstocks, and a pre-stressed deck originally built in 1988.
At the time it was thought the wharf would be part of a proposed Botany Bay ferry service connecting Kogarah Bay, the Brighton Wharf, La Perouse, and Kurnell. This service never became a reality.
The wharf was never used by used by the boating community due to strong currents that make it difficult for craft to manoeuvre onto the wharf. Regular sand movement also hinders access.
In 2009 significant concrete cancer and deterioration saw the wharf closed to the public.
In November 2023 Council endorsed a proposal to partially demolish Dolls Point Wharf subject to available funding.
Demolition was delayed due to ongoing negotiations with the landowner Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). The wharf sits on land leased from TfNSW under an expired agreement, and Council must enter a new licence if any part of the structure remains.
Should the demolition go ahead Council will examine options to keep the timber piles in situ and create a unique art installation.
