Empire Bay wharf will close for replacement program

Empire Bay WharfThe Empire Bay Wharf upgrade has commenced.

Empire Bay’s Kendall Rd wharf will be closed from November 11 as work starts on a new wharf with a floating pontoon and solar lighting.

The wharf will be closed for about eight weeks and ferry passengers have been asked to use the nearby Shelly Beach Rd wharf during the construction. Central Coast Ferries will operate an altered timetable from November 11, with the ferry departing Shelly Beach Rd wharf at 10am, 11.20am and 1.10pm on weekdays and 9am, 11.20am and 1.20pm on weekends.

Construction of the wharf at Empire Bay is part of an extensive wharf replacement program undertaken by Central Coast Council. Council director Mr Boris Bolgoff said wharf projects were a focus for 2019-20 capital works. “Spencer residents are enjoying their new wharf and Empire Bay is the next cab off the rank, ” he said.

“We also have two wharf projects scheduled for Davistown and we’re currently consulting with the community on the largest individual wharf project undertaken by Council – the $5.32M redevelopment of Woy Woy town centre wharf. “Each of our wharf projects feature a floating pontoon to improve accessibility for all boat users and ferry services, by providing a consistent access level during most tide and weather conditions. ”

Council’s $1.64M investment in the wharf replacement program includes $375,000 in NSW Government funding as part of the NSW Boating Now Program.

The project to redevelop Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf is funded by the NSW Government with $3.99M from the Regional Communities Development Fund and with $1.33M from Council.

SOURCE: Media release, 6 Nov 2019 Boris Bolgoff, Central Coast Council Website, 5 Nov 2019 Daniel Rond, Central Coast Ferries