A new artificial reef has been installed off the Ballina coast, and a second reef will be deployed off Coffs Harbour within weeks as the Minns Labor Government works to boost tourism and sustainable recreational fishing along coastal NSW.
Costing $1.35 million each, the reefs are delivered with funding from the Minns Government's Recreational Fishing Trust and the Marine Estate Management Strategy and designed to create thriving habitats for sea creatures big and small.
The reefs imitate the environment of natural reefs and encourage a wide diversity of marine growth for fish to flourish in, which provides real ecological, tourism and recreational fishing benefits.
Fish typically start to colonise the structures in large numbers within about a year with the Ballina reef expected to attract key species including Mackerel, Snapper, Mulloway and various baitfish.
The Ballina reef consists of two steel structures developed by naval architects, coastal engineers and biologists to create a high-quality marine habitat while resisting sliding and overturning forces during a one in 100 year storm event.
Each structure has a footprint of 15.6 x 15.6 m, a height of 12 metres and weighs 50 tonne. They have been placed approximately 100 metres apart in around 32 metres of water.
The Coffs Harbour reef will have a similar design.
The two new reefs join 11 others already installed along the NSW coast including at Forster and Terrigal deployed in late 2023.
The new reefs have been built, transported and installed by NSW-based marine infrastructure company, SMC Marine, and constructed in Queensland, with the Ballina reef towed 350 km over three days and sunk 3.5 km off Patchs Beach.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The new Offshore Artificial Reefs at Ballina and Coffs Harbour are set to become a major drawcard, providing fantastic fishing opportunities for locals and visitors eager to catch a variety of fish species.
"The reef will quickly become a thriving ecosystem, first attracting baitfish, followed by an exciting range of sportfish like Mackerel, Snapper and Mulloway in the coming months.
"Recreational fishing contributes $3.4 billion to the NSW economy each year and these reefs will only further that economic impact.
"These new reefs take the total number of offshore artificial reefs in NSW to 13, an excellent example of how recreational fishing licence fees are being put to good use, with additional financial support from the Marine Estate Management Strategy."
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"This is a big win for the North Coast. These reefs aren't just about what's happening under the water; they are about the flow-on effects for our local small businesses, from tackle shops and boat mechanics to our cafes and accommodation providers.
"By creating these world-class fishing spots right on our doorstep in Ballina and Coffs Harbour, we are giving locals and tourists another reason to visit and locals another reason to get out on the water. This is a long-term investment in the liveability and economic resilience of our coastal communities.
"We want to see our North Coast economy remain vibrant and diverse. Projects like these support our dynamic recreational fishing industry and ensure our region continues to be a premier destination for sustainable tourism."
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Crown land plays an important role not just on land, but offshore as well.
"By formally reserving these sites and appointing DPIRD Fisheries as Crown land manager, we're ensuring offshore artificial reefs along the NSW coastline are supported by clear, long‑term management arrangements that protect public access and give the community confidence these sites will be well cared for into the future."
