Shell Cove's much-anticipated marina and harbourside precinct have opened, 35 years after the Waterfront project began.
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The marina welcomed its very first boat on Friday, while members of the public were able to take a stroll along the boardwalk after the fences came down earlier that morning.
Shellharbour City Council mayor Marianne Saliba described occasion as a "historic moment".
"Standing here today has been the vision of council for more than 30 years," Cr Saliba said.
The Shell Cove project began as an economic initiative to create jobs in the area, she said, and had become one of the largest pieces of infrastructure delivered by a council in Australia.
Cr Saliba said the marina would put Shellharbour on the map as a "premium" tourist destination.
"I'm so proud because this belongs to our community... It belongs to every single one of us," she said.
For Cr Saliba the occasion was also little bittersweet: her late mother, May Hudson, was on the council in 1986 when it made the decision to take on the project, and the mayor said she was sad she did not live to see this major part of it come to fruition.
The council has partnered on the Waterfront project with Frasers Property Australia, whose chief executive officer Anthony Boyd described Friday's opening as a "significant milestone".
Among the community members excited to see the harbour open was Blackbutt resident Sue Paul, who with husband Alan secured a berth licence in the marina for their 10-metre sailer.
She said they had been watching the project unfold for the past 30 years.
"We've been in a lot of marinas, and this is world-class," Mrs Paul said.
Shell Cove resident Larry How was also pleased to see this milestone of the project reached.
He and wife Yvonne moved into one of the first houses in the area in the mid-1990s, and Mr How had since been involved in the community and the project.
Mr How said the project was a credit to everyone.
"It's such a great acquisition, not just for Shell Cove and the community, but NSW," he said.
Marina operator Les Binkin from Marina Holdings Australia said berth licence holders could start bringing their boats in from Saturday.
"They're going to be very excited," Mr Binkin said.
Michelle Mannex, owner of Shellharbour Marina Real Estate, said Shell Cove was a "sound market" and she expected the marina would only support the property prices.
"The marina has brought many different groups of people to the area," Ms Mannex said.
The Waterfront Tavern, the pub overlooking the marina, is expected to open in December.
Mr Boyd said the community centre and library were due for completion in 2023.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
