New Boat Ramp for Sydney Harbour

by Neil Patchett on 1 Apr 2003 The Waterways Authority has announced plans to establish a new $2.1M boat ramp in Sydney Harbour.

Waterways Chief Executive, Matthew Taylor, said on Friday March 28 the Authority was calling for design proposals to turn the vacant site under the ANZAC Bridge into a major new access point for the Harbour.

'Sydney has a limited number of boat launching facilities and I am sure the boating community will be delighted to see a location close to the CBD identified and retained for public use,' he said.

'This facility will dovetail into broader NSW Government plans to assess, maintain and improve access points to our magnificent Harbour.

'The Bank Street site, on the city side of the old Glebe Island Bridge, has scope to accommodate a two-lane launching ramp, boarding pontoon and parking for approximately 60 trailers.

'Road access to the site is good with the City West Link, Victoria Road and the Western Distributor all leading to the location.

'Final designs will be subject to a rigorous selection process by the Waterways Authority. The Authority has begun initial survey work and is currently seeking quotations from consultant engineering firms for the design of a ramp.

'Boating is a way of life for many people and in the Sydney region there are about 200,000 people who hold a licence to drive a powerboat,' he said.

'Over the past five years, licence numbers have increased by around 10 per cent a year in NSW and of course there are many thousands more who use small sailboats, canoes and kayaks.'

In recognition of this growth and subsequent demand for access, the Waterways Authority is undertaking a number of initiatives to improve boating facilities and access to the Harbour including a new ramp and marine precinct at Homebush Bay.

Also, the Waterways Authority has contracted the UTS School of Leisure Sport and Tourism to conduct a survey at a number of boat ramp sites around Sydney Harbour to gauge usage and recommend possible improvements of existing facilities.

This ramp announcement follows closely on the release of details for a similar two-lane, 60 car/trailer parking, boat launching facility complete with barbecue and picnic tables to be built on Waterways Authority land at Homebush Bay West on the upper reaches of the Parramatta River, Sydney.

Media contact: Neil Patchett on 9563 8605 or 0418 279 465.