The NSW government has called for tenders as it moves to develop a long-awaited master plan for Wollongong Harbour.
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The NSW Department of Industry (Lands) has asked tenderers to identify land use opportunities in the harbour precinct, consistent with its heritage significance, while maintaining port facilities and services.
The call for tenders comes about five months after Wollongong City councillors voted in October to call on the department to progress the harbour precinct’s master plan “as a matter of priority”.
The move, championed by lord mayor Gordon Bradbery, was made in the hope of resurrecting seemingly stalled state government plans to develop the area.
On Thursday, Councillor Bradbery said the council’s Blue Mile renewal project had, over the last decade, “improved the amenity and aesthetic appeal of our city’s coastal precinct”,
The lord mayor said he would work with the government and the community on the next stage of the rejuvenation work.
Community engagement will be part of the tender process. “The credibility of the master plan and its prospects for success will hinge on the success of the community engagement process,” the government’s tender said.
Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said Wollongong Harbour had “significant heritage value to NSW and to the community”.
“With a maritime industrial history stretching back to the mid-1800s, the port continues to operate today and is highly valued by locals and visitors,” Mr Toole said.
Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said the government’s regional ports strategy had identified Wollongong Harbour as a priority location for “asset renewal and targeted development”.
Mr Ward said that work would “invigorate the area and boost the local economy”.
“Our intention with this master plan is to identify commercial and recreational opportunities around the harbour while preserving and enhancing its heritage value,” he said.
The plan will be funded through the NSW government’s coastal infrastructure program, which has seen about $62 million spent on 50 projects along the state’s coast.
Tenders close on April 20, with documentation available at tenders.nsw.gov.au.