Ermington’s Wharf Rd boat ramp will be upgraded after winning a $455,000 State Government grant under the new Better Boating Program.

The grant will enable Council to widen the ramp, replace the existing pontoon, and improve traffic flow. It will also enable detailed design for further improvements at the facility.

NSW Maritime awarded the grant following after receiving a joint application by the City of Ryde and Parramatta Councils.

This grant is part of more than $1 million awarded to Sydney Harbour Councils for seven projects in this round of the Better Boating program, Artists impression of Ermington Wharf

NSW Maritime’s Better Boating program offers 100 per cent funding to improve boat ramp facilities at suitable sites within Sydney Harbour.

Better Boating funding was offered for the first time in March last year, and is available for improvements to new and existing boat ramps, including facilities such as car/ trailer parking, pontoons or jetties, lighting, signage and landscaping.

Initial grants should lead to total works and grants in excess of $3 million subject to satisfactory completion of designs and development approvals.

Boat ramps are owned by local councils and maintenance has been their responsibility.

This new funding package will ease the burden on local councils so they can make sure the existing ramps are in top condition. This is part of the State Government’s plan to continue to improve the facilities and services available to the people of NSW.

The Wharf Road boat ramp is the first access point to Sydney Harbour for trailer boats coming from the city’s north western suburbs.

The boat ramp is popular with boaters and surveys undertaken by the Ryde Council indicate an upgrade is highly supported.

Source : NSW Maritime