Abandoned, rusty hulks in Taren Point bay to be removed

The three barges have been rusting away in the bay for more than 30 years and were abandoned by the previous adjoining tenant in around 2014, a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

"Transport for NSW has obtained planning approval to remove the barges and will soon launch a tender for the works," the spokesperson said.

"Removal of the barges is expected to take place in mid-2022."

The Leader contacted Transport for NSW after local resident Harvey Langford asked us to solve the mystery of the identity of the rusting structures.

Mr Langford moved to the area 18 months ago and had been wondering what the structures were when he walked past them on the path at the end of Atkinson Road.

"I had no idea what they might be and had asked people walking along and no one seemed to know," he said.

Mr Langford said he was looking forward to the proposed extension of the Sutherland Shire Council's five-kilometre Woolooware Bay Shared Pathway, from which the rusty barges can be seen.

The pathway is part of the 43.6-kilometre-long Botany Bay Trail that will enable the community to safely walk and cycle along a dedicated shared pathway around Botany Bay from La Perouse to Kurnell.