Work is underway to demolish Belmont Wharf and replace it with a $2 million structure set to be longer and better equipped for modern boating.
Lake Macquarie City Council crews began work on removing the ageing wharf on Monday 18 August.
Manager Assets Karen Partington said divers had inspected the site prior to work commencing to ensure seahorses and other fragile species possibly residing among the wharf's piles would not be affected.
"The wharf has been there for 50 years and is now at the end of its service life," she said.
"There is evidence of corrosion in its fixtures, splitting of beams and cracking in the piers."
The NSW Government has provided $1.6 million for the project as part of its Boating Infrastructure for Communities grant program.
Timber decking will be removed by hand, but heavier machinery will be required for the piers, some of which could be buried up to 10m deep.
The new wharf will extend 71m from shore – about 10m longer than the existing structure – and will begin at 2.4m in width, extending to 8m at the jetty landing to improve access.
"The structure will be built using driven tubular steel piles, precast reinforced concrete headstocks and a deck framed in aluminium and stainless steel, topped with fibre-reinforced panel decking," Ms Partington said.
"All fixings will be marine-grade stainless steel to ensure longevity in what tend to be harsh coastal conditions."
The wharf is one of several across the lake with a sewage pump-out station for boaties, which will be replaced with a state-of-the-art version as part of the project.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the new wharf was expected to be open for use early next year.
"Boating is such a popular pastime on Lake Macquarie, so it's important we provide the facilities for people to get out there and enjoy it," he said.
"This is a structure designed to serve not only the boating community for many years to come, but anyone who wants to get out over the water at Belmont and enjoy the spectacular lake views."
A concrete abutment will connect the new wharf to the foreshore pedestrian path, while fenders will be installed to help protect boats mooring temporarily.
Alternative public wharf access includes Belmont Baths and Green Point.
Other sewage pump-out facilities can be found at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Toronto Wharf, Styles Point Rathmines and Dobell Park Wangi.
