Commuter Wharf Expansion at

Church Point

NBC is considering a consultant's report with a preferred option suggesting the expansion of commuter boat berths from 111 to 230 at Church Point. This would involve an additional curved arm structure similar to the one already in place.

The existing facility has only been in place since 2017. From what BCPRA has seen the justification for increasing the number of berths is short on substantive detail. In fact discussion with some offshore residents suggests one of the main problems is that many users leave their boats for extended periods contrary to the essential purpose of the wharf which is about short term commuting.

BCPRA is of the view that pressure needs to be taken off Church Point as a transport hub rather than adding to current stresses on existing infrastructure that would occur with the provision of another 119 boat berths.

We believe , if extra berthing facilities can be adequately justified that Rowland Reserve which has substantial unused parking and commuter berthing facilities needs to be properly assessed as the preferred option. This option is also likely to be far less costly than the roughly $7.5m proposed for the Church Point expansion.