Structural work on new boat harbour now complete

• Base structural work in the boat harbour now complete
• Natural harbour filling and water stabilisation process now begins
• Lots of construction activity progressing in the community

The structural work within the new Shell Cove boat harbour is now complete and the water pumps that have enabled ‘dry work’ to be undertaken have officially been turned off, Shellharbour Council and Frasers Property Australia announced today. It means the harbour will now begin filling with water.

Shellharbour Mayor, Councillor Marianne Saliba, says the completion of the structural elements of the boat harbour is a major milestone. 

“With all the structural elements of the harbour now complete, it no longer needs to remain dry. We’ve now seen the bottom of the harbour for the last time,” says Councillor Saliba.

“The pumps that have stopped the harbour from filling up have now been turned off, marking the commencement of the harbour flooding phase. The harbour will fill naturally through a combination of ground water, storm water and indirect ocean waters.

“Depending on weather, this may take as little as a few days or a number of weeks. At this stage, it’s looking more like days!

“Once the harbour is full, the water body must meet strict water quality criteria as approved by the NSW Environment Protection Authority for a minimum period of six weeks. Once the body of water is compliant we will begin the process of removing the sand bund at the channel entrance,” says Councillor Saliba.

Simone Dyer, Development Director, Frasers Property Australia says being able to undertake work in a dry harbour was a significant advantage in the construction program.

“The completion of the marina piles, travel lift, major structural elements and flooding mark a major milestone for the people in the engineering and construction teams, some of whom have worked on this major infrastructure project for many years. We’d like to congratulate and thank them for their efficiency, focus on safety and quality, and commitment to the project,” says Ms Dyer.

“As usual at Shell Cove, there are many activities being undertaken at the one time and while the harbour flooding and stabilisation is taking place, other works will progress. The floating marina pontoons are expected to arrive in January. Our next boat harbour milestone will be the removal of the inner sand bund, completing the connection between the harbour and the ocean. This is likely to occur in the second quarter of 2021.

“In addition to the boat harbour work, construction of the Aqua apartments, Waterfront Tavern and the community’s new dining precinct are on track for their scheduled opening from mid-2021.”

The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres.

A focal point will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. There will also be a waterfront tavern, hotel, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.

The Waterfront, Shell Cove Sales Centre is in The Waterfront Town Centre at Shops 1 and 2, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove. It is open seven days from 10.30am to 5pm. Call 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au for more information.