Government commits funding to repairing and reopening Warrawong's King Street jetty on Lake Illawarra

Funding for the project, announced yesterday, comes in addition to the $1.3 million from the COVID-19 stimulus program previously announced to repair and upgrade jetties around Lake Illawarra.

NSW Water, Housing and Property Minister Melinda Pavey said the government would invite tenders for the work in the coming days.

Read more: Lake Illawarra jetties locked up from the public again this summer

She said the jetty and ramp had been closed due to safety concerns, but would reopen in time for next summer.

Wollongong MP Paul Scully has been campaigning for the government to reopen jetties around Lake Illawarra.

Back in 2019, he organised a community petition, calling on the government to make the necessary repairs to allow access.

"I'm pleased that the minister has listened to my concerns and has responded with some extra funding to reopen the King Street jetty," Wollongong MP Paul Scully said.

"That work will now allow the repairs to take place and the jetties along Lake Illawarra's foreshore to be reopened to public access and enjoyment for the summer season later this year.

"I want to thank all members of the community who signed and supported my petition to convince the government to make these funds available and to make good these key community assets."

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The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Housing and Property Group, which inherited 32 hectares of government-owned land from the former Lake Illawarra Authority and now manages it, will fund the project.

Last spring, after the government announced its $1.3 million funding package, Mr Scully voiced frustration that the government had closed Lake Illawarra jetties with "no real reason except a vague reasoning of safety" and they would not reopen for summer 2020/21.

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