Council calls for dedicated parking area for new Kurnell ferry wharf

The council wants an exclusive, dedicated parking area for ferry passengers created with Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

There are also concerns the new wharf will impact endangered posidonia seagrass and the council has recommended the proposed Marine Biodiversity Offset Strategy be endorsed by Fisheries prior to development approval.

Council concerns are raised in a submission to the environmental impact statement for the Kurnell and La Perouse wharves, which are being assessed as State Significant Infrastructure.

A report by council staff said the design was schematic and was yet to have detailed architectural plans.

"The project will have recreational and economic benefits associated with increased tourism, and cultural benefits in promoting greater engagement with the history and heritage of Kurnell," the report said.

"There are concerns that the project will compound parking problems at Kurnell. The parking areas within the national park may not be utilised or meet demand generated by the project, and this deficiency may be magnified should it be used by commuters in the future.

"Greater analysis is required to further inform a land-based transport strategy. It is considered that shared path connections to the Kurnell wharf should be provided.

"The ferry service should have an exclusive, dedicated parking area within the national park."

The report said car parking and footpaths associated with the wharf would be constructed as part of the National Parks and Wildlife Service's masterplan.

"The traffic and parking surveys in the EIS understate current demands.

"Additional surveys should be undertaken over the 2021/22 summer period to further inform a land-based transport strategy for ferry and park usage.

"Ongoing monitoring of park visitation, ferry patronage and land-based transport should inform the ongoing review of the land-based transport strategy for ferry and park usage.

"This should be established as a condition of any approval for the project."