Boaters have improved access to the Georges River through an upgrade of the Oatley Bay boat ramp.
The three lane boat ramp was rebuilt with a new pontoon and gangway, which includes a pontoon-to-boat wheelchair crane for disability access.
Work started in April and was completed in October.
The official opening was attended by Oatley MP Mark Coure, Georges River Council administrator John Rayner and assets and infrastructure director Laurie O’Connor, Roads and Maritime Services operations manager Andy Robertson and former Kogarah councillor George Katsabaris,
Mr Katsabris, who is on the new council’s interim committee, lobbied for the upgrade.
Mr Coure said the state government had provided a $305,000 grant through the NSW Boating Now program towards the $435,000 upgrade.
The remaining $130,000 was provided by the Georges River Council.
“The previous three lane boat ramp was not being used to its capacity due to the condition of the ramp and lack of lane delineation, and the pontoon and gangway provided limited access for disabled boaters,” Mr Coure said.
Mr Rayner said the facility was used extensively by boat owners across the region, due to the sheltered bay location and deep water access.
As part of the project, a plan for a new toilet block and lighting was developed.
Mr Rayner said work had started on the new amenities, with completion due by the middle of December.
“The upgrade of the ramp and pontoon design takes into consideration the surrounding bushland and foreshore setting and provides contemporary high quality facilities for community use,” he said.
