NSW Gov
The Minns Labor Government is investing $1.37 million for the construction of a new jetty to improve public boat access to Wallis Island on the Mid North Coast.
This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government's ongoing commitment to building better communities, while investing in regional NSW and important public spaces.
Wallis Island, near Forster, is a 584-hectare nature reserve that is popular for boating, fishing and other general recreation.
The jetty will comprise a floating pontoon about 12 metres long and 3.3 metres wide with a reinforced concrete shell and aluminium gangway about 19 metres long and 1.2 metres wide, connecting, via a footpath, to a foreshore reserve in a small sandy bay.
Accommodating up to 20-person vessels and with disability access, the jetty will service general boating and community recreational use as well as cultural access for Aboriginal groups.
Wallis Island has deep Aboriginal significance as part of the traditional lands of the Worimi and Birpai People of Forster Tuncurry, and Worimi and Birpai artwork will be designed and incorporated into the jetty design.
Construction will be carried out M&J Marine Services and is expected to start in January, with a barge used to transport machinery, equipment and materials to the island for the jetty works.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Wallis Island is a cultural and environmental gem that is popular for fishing, boating, nature lovers and Aboriginal heritage. This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government's ongoing commitment to building better communities and making our state's important sites more accessible.
"Providing boat access via the new public jetty will ensure the nature reserves of Wallis Island are accessible, so residents and visitors can more safely enjoy what the island has to offer."
Lakkari Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation said:
"Lakkari Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation welcomes construction of a new jetty at Wallis Island and extends its sincere thanks to the NSW Government for this important infrastructure investment.
"Wallis Island holds deep cultural significance for the Worimi and Birpai People of Forster Tuncurry, and the jetty will provide greater opportunities for the community to access and care for Country.
"Lakkari is proud to have worked closely with the NSW Government throughout the design process and appreciates the high level of consultation that ensured Worimi and Birpai voices were heard and respected."
Natalie Rotumah, Chief Executive Officer of the Native Title Service Provider for Aboriginal Traditional Owners in NSW and the ACT (NTSCORP Limited) said:
"We welcome construction of a new jetty to improve boat access to Wallis Island, marking an important step in supporting the long-standing aspirations of the Worimi and Birpai People of Forster Tuncurry.
"Lakkari Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation, on behalf of the Worimi and Birpai People of Forster Tuncurry, have worked with the NSW Government for over 20 years to achieve outcomes that enable access and care for this important place, and we're pleased to have worked alongside them during this process."
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