A new non-powered boat launching facility at Macquarie Park, Windsor is now complete in time for summer.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett said the NSW Government provided Hawkesbury City Council with $300,000 through the NSW Boating Now program to build a fixed non-powered boat launching facility with a launching ramp to improve access for disabled users.
“The project provides a formalised access pathway from the car park to the launch facility, an upgraded car park and landscaping work,” the Mayor said.
“Macquarie Park is popular for users of recreational and other non‑powered craft such as kayaks and is the starting point for events such as the Windsor Canoe Classic which attracts up to 600 participants annually.
“Council has invested $170,000 over 2015-2016 into Macquarie Park, and Council will invest another $100,000 for further foreshore improvement,” she said.
“The Parks staff at Council work very hard to make our parks part of a constantly improving Social Plan, and they are always on the lookout for how to make our parks better for everybody; my congratulations to our Parks staff for managing this project.”
The NSW Boating Now program aims to enhance the boating experience by improving the capacity and amenity of boating infrastructure on NSW waterways.
“Just on the other side and east of this Park is Governor Phillip Park, which has also been recently upgraded with a new jetty thanks to $478,000 in funding from the Better Boating and NSW Boating Now programs,” the Mayor said.
Governor Phillip Park contains the Hawkesbury's main boat ramp and is home to many major boating events. The jetty is multi-levelled to facilitate boat access through tidal fluctuations and to improve the capacity of the boat ramp during events and peak times.
The upgrades at Governor Phillip have also been designed to ensure that they are accessible for all community members, with ramps designed to accommodate wheelchair access and assist those with walking difficulties.
“Users now have a choice of powered and non-powered facilities which provides a launching area for all who want to enjoy the benefits of getting out on the Hawkesbury River,” Councillor Lyons-Buckett added.
“This facility is a wonderful addition to our area which will further improve the recreational experiences of our residents and visitors to the Hawkesbury.”
Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet said with summer already in full swing, these new facilities will be fantastic for the families who will flock to this spot for a leisurely paddle down the river over the holidays.
“The NSW Government has provided $37.5 million from NSW Boating Now to support delivery of the 192 Priority Regional Projects identified in the 11 Regional Boating Plans,” Mr Perrottet said.
“An additional $10 million has also been set aside for major projects, $5 million for boat trailer parking initiatives and another $10 million for the delivery of second round projects in the last two years of this program.
“NSW Boating Now aims to further enhance the boating experience by improving the capacity and amenity of boating infrastructure on NSW waterways.
“Priority regional projects were identified following consultation with councils, local sports clubs and organisations as well as every day boaters,” he said.
“These projects include upgrades and new infrastructure such as boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, car parks and sewage pump out facilities.”
For more information about NSW Boating Now or the Better Boating program visit the Roads and Maritime Services website at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/key-build- program/boating-now or Transport for NSW at https://maritimemanagement.transport.nsw.gov.au
