A derelict waterfront block of units at Windang has been knocked down to expand a reserve.
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The fenced-in units were located on Crown land at the western end of Edith Lacey Park in Judbooley Parade
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the $400,000 project was funded under the NSW Government's COVID-19 stimulus program.
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"The project involved the restoration of 550 square metres of land near Club Windang to benefit the community, while protecting important Aboriginal relics on site," Mrs Pavey said.
The work involved an Indigenous company from Nowra, ALI Civil, removing the unit block, as well as weeds and dead trees.
"We had to remove the building by hand to protect Aboriginal middens that were buried on the site, with six Indigenous workers employed on the project," ALI Civil managing director Darren Brown said.
"We found many shells with charcoal marks, so it was clearly a place where ancestors enjoyed fishing and feasting.
"Once we removed the building material, we returned the middens to their earth and covered them in a 'geofabric' of soil, so they're protected forever."
Meanwhile on Lake Illawarra, the Old Merinda Wharf has been re-opened after repair work was carried out as part of a $4.2 refurbishment program.
Mrs Pavey said it was one of seven jetties on Lake Illawarra that were being upgraded by the NSW government.
"Lake Illawarra is an aquatic playground and an important recreational and tourism gem, so it's important we support that use with quality infrastructure," she said.
Further work is underway on Tuggerah Bay jetty, followed by repairs to Koonawarra Bay and then Purry Burry jetties, which will be progressively reopened as the work is completed.
Repairs are also continuing on King Street jetty and the boat skid ramp at Warrawong.
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