Hornsby Shire Council has upgraded the Hawkesbury River’s recreational facilities with a three-lane boat ramp at Wisemans Ferry – co-funded by Hills Shire Council and the New South Wales Government.
The new boat ramp project also included a new pontoon, a new car park with 163 bays for vehicles and boat trailers, 29 bays for single vehicles and a new amenities block.
Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock, said that Hornsby Shire Council was delighted to join forces with the project partners to provide this much needed facility for the benefit of the local community.
“We’re very excited to launch this highly-anticipated new state of the art facility at Wisemans Ferry,” Mayor Ruddock said.
“We thank The Hills Shire Council and the NSW Government for their support in this important project which will provide safe and easy access to the water and an improved experience for all.
“We hope that the new facilities become a symbol of hope and renewal for the people of Wisemans Ferry who have endured so much over the past few years.”
Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Dr Peter Gangemi, said the new boat ramp would increase tourism as the region recovers from the floods.
“This is an outstanding example of the two councils and the New South Wales Government working together for residents and visitors to our Shires. It will be a boost to tourism for the region and will be a valuable facility for a multitude of recreational watercraft,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“It will complement private ramps located upstream from the ferry cables and will relieve pressure on other ramps located downstream.”
Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean, said, “These new facilities are excellent and will benefit so many. There is still much to do for the river communities as they continue to recover from repeated flood devastation experienced last year”.
Hornsby Shire Council has also secured funding from the New South Wales Government to construct a new playground, which is now open, as well as a walking trail and village green which will be built in 2023.
New South Wales Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings, said it was great to see the project, which was part of the New South Wales Government’s Boating Now program, come to fruition.
“The Boating Now program, now in its fourth round, has invested in about 330 projects since it began in 2014, providing funding to improve maritime infrastructure and facilities across New South Wales,” Mr Hutchings said.
Featured image supplied by Hornsby Shire Council.