Funds forthcoming for pier and marina plan

 

The Old Pier Boat Ramp Extension and New Jetty is another step closer, as is a new Marina for Bridport.

November 15, 2023

Money will soon be released by the State Government to continue design and construction work on two major projects that make up the Bridport Foreshore Masterplan.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson yesterday said he had approved Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) to provide $600,000 of an election commitment to Dorset Council via a Grant Deed. 

“This will assist the Dorset Council in conducting further design and construction work on the proposed new port entrance, including a feasibility study on the proposed marina in the Bridport Foreshore Masterplan,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The Grant Deed will contain parameters around the use of the funding, reporting requirements and timeframes for delivery.”

At next Monday’s Council meeting, which is coincidently going to be held at Bridport, Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw will note two letters from Mr Ferguson.

“The first letter was received by the Bridport Pier Working Group providing a commitment to construct a new 126 metre public jetty adjacent to the Old Pier boar ramp in accordance with Package B contained in the Bridport Foreshore Master Plan,” Mr Wardlaw said.

“The second letter indicates funding assistance to conduct further design and construction work on the proposed new port entrance, including a feasibility study on the proposed marina contained in Package D.”

In January 2022, MAST finalised the Bridport Foreshore Masterplan which includes four “packages”.

Package B is the Old Pier Boat Ramp Extension and New Jetty, and includes the:

  • Upgrade of existing boat ramp to enable greater tide access;

  • Construction of public jetty adjacent to old pier site;

  • Low landing with wave attenuating fenders for safe entry/exit from vessels

  • Wave screen attached to Jetty to attenuate wave action; and

  • Enable options for the extension of the jetty for Package C, to increase capacity for recreational and tourism vessels berthing at the site in a wider range of tide conditions as a central focus for tourism.

Package D is the New Port Entrance, Commercial Wharf and Port Marina which includes:

  • A new river entrance with increased draft for vessels;

  • Outer wharf for commercial or recreational boating – (all tidal access);

  • Decommission of the existing river entrance;

  • Maintaining the existing Boat Ramp, or relocate to Port;

  • Options for expanded port berthing; and

  • Options for integration with commercial or development activities such as a Marina.

 
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