The NSW Government has lodged a development application with Central Coast Council to progress the first stage clean-up of the contaminated former Empire Bay Marina site.
The Crown Lands application is for the part removal of the concrete hardstand and slipway above the high tide mark, and removal of underground fuel tanks and surrounding contaminated soil.
After removal, further site contamination testing will be undertaken, including a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, to determine further remediation requirements for the site.
A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) will then be developed to support a second development application to complete remediation of the site, so the land can be safely returned to waterfront public open space.
The clean-up follows the Environment Protection Authority’s declaration of the site as significantly contaminated in 2022.
That followed a site investigation which found elevated concentrations of contaminants including anti-fouling agents (tributyltin), heavy metals (lead, zinc and copper), hydrocarbons (fuel and oil), and also asbestos materials.
A huge community campaign to save the heritage boatshed on the site failed when it was razed in November despite several on-site protests over the past two years attracting hundreds of people determined to retain the building.
All structures on the site now need to be progressively removed to allow for the clean-up following the removal last month of the dilapidated boatshed, jetties and joists following the issuing of a demolition order from Central Coast Council.
A Crown Lands spokesperson said work was being carried out in accordance with waste management plans and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, with waste materials being safely removed to a licensed waste facility.
“Crown Lands has engaged a heritage consultant to oversee work and record the site’s history through photographs and oral history in accordance with a Statement of Heritage Impact,” the spokesperson said.
“Elements of the former heritage item have been retained and memorial options for the former boatshed will be developed through a Heritage Interpretation Plan in consultation with the community.”
Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said remediation of the site will provide the community with safe access and use of the foreshore reserve and remove a worrying source of contamination to the marine environment.
“The recent NSW Budget allocated $13.3M to Crown Lands over the next two years to clean-up contaminated sites, including the former Empire Bay Marina site,” he said.
“It’s vital we clean-up land polluted by past industrial practices to meet statutory requirements and protect the environment and community health, while ensuring valuable land can be restored for future safe use by the community.”
Further information is on the Crown Lands website at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/whats-happening/notifications/empire-bay-marina