The long-awaited redevelopment of the Woy Woy Wharf may finally be complete but questions have been raised over why the wharf is not yet officially open to the public.
Plans were announced in late 2019 and work commenced in August 2020.
The $5.6M wharf redevelopment was touted to be the largest wharf project ever undertaken by Central Coast Council.
The works feature a floating pontoon with wheelchair access, lighting, benches with shelter and a fishing area.
The new wharf was planned to rise with the tide to reduce disruption and improve disability access, capable of accommodating 35-metre vessels up to 250 tonnes.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the upgrade was not yet open to the public because members of the State Government were “unable to cut their ribbon under the current restrictions.
“As far as I am concerned this wharf was an upgrade for the community not an upgrade for a ‘success’ photo,” Tesch said.
“While we have been in lockdown families here on the Peninsula are enjoying our incredible waterfront and everything it has to offer going on walks and exploring new places in their own backyard for their mental and physical wellbeing.
“I know for locals a new wharf is exactly the kind of excitement they need and something our community wants to celebrate and enjoy.
“We have waited years for a wharf upgrade and months for the official upgrade to be complete.
“It is a real shame and embarrassment for the Woy Woy Wharf to not be open simply because of an archaic and bureaucratic process, which quite frankly no one cares about.
Liesl Tesch State MP for Gosford
“I think I speak for all of the community when I say we would much rather be able to enjoy our wharf now than wait for the Facebook post and announcement.”
Reports have suggested the wharf will be officially opened in the coming weeks.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the wharf and surrounding area has been transformed into a ‘modern tourist gateway’.
“I am currently in the process of working with Central Coast Council, who helped deliver the project, to arrange an official opening date and look forward to letting the community know when this date will be in the coming days,” he said.
Adam Crouch MP
Maisy Rae
Get the ladies from the Woy Woy CWA to open it!