MEDIA RELEASE
Boating enthusiasts, kayakers and paddlers of all kinds are set to enjoy greater ease of access to the spectacular Georges River with the delivery of vastly improved boat ramp facilities at Sandy Point.
Sutherland Shire Council recently completed a significant upgrade to the valued community facility, providing more opportunity for local residents and visitors to the Sutherland Shire to make the most of the scenic riverside location over summer, and for years into the future.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said he was delighted to see the project come to fruition, providing even more opportunity for people to enjoy a day out on the water.
“We know that our community values the opportunity to get out and enjoy our spectacular natural surrounds here in the Sutherland Shire, and with improved access now available for those looking to enjoy a day out on the Georges River I look forward to even more local residents getting out and about on our beautiful local waterways,” Mayor Pesce said.
The upgrade to the existing Sandy Point boat ramp, and the surrounding landscape, delivers better access for recreational boaters and paddlers, as well as providing greater ease of access for emergency services.
“I’d like to thank Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons for her hard work in securing funding from the NSW Government under the ‘Boating Now’ program, with the Sandy Point upgrade just the latest in a series of projects in the Sutherland Shire which have been successful in attracting funding under this scheme,” Mayor Pesce said.
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said she was pleased to see the project completed, providing even more reason for local residents to hit the water over summer.
“The Georges River has always been a favourite for local boaters and paddlers, and through the delivery of $722,000 in NSW Government funding under the Boating Now program, the Sandy Point boat ramp is now better able to cater for demand than ever before,” Ms Gibbons said.
“This upgrade to the Sandy Point boat ramp has provided improved access, which means our locals can now make the most of this location and the Georges River.”
The new launch facility was jointly funded between the NSW Government’s Boating Now program and Sutherland Shire Council, with Council also contributing $240,745 towards the project to provide boaters with better and safer access to this popular part of the Georges River.
NSW Maritime Acting Executive Director Hendrik Clasie said it was great to see the project, which was part of the NSW Government’s Boating Now program, now open and ready for use.
“The Boating Now program provides funding to improve maritime infrastructure and facilities across NSW. Now in it its fourth round, it has invested in about 330 projects since it began in 2014,” Mr Clasie said.
Photo: Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce with Councillors Steve Nikolovski and Peter Scaysbrook, Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons representatives of Sandy Point Residents Association, Sandy Point Dragons dragon boat club and a host of local residents