After nearly two years of ongoing works, the Tathra community will get its wharf back this weekend.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, and Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, will officially reopen the Tathra Wharf from 10am on Saturday (August 10).
Mayor Fitzpatrick told ARN Bega Bay the project that was supported by around $8 million dollars in NSW Government stimulus funding was a complex one.
“Without restoration works and financial backing from the State Government, we would have eventually lost this historic wharf to the sea,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“Looking at the structure and new deck today, the lay person would wonder what all the fuss was about, but the particulars are quite amazing,” he continued.
“Of the 78 in-water pylons, 54 were replaced and the remaining received protective works. All handrails, toe rails and kerb units were replaced as were half the sub-structure headstocks, girders and cross-braces.
The stockyard was replaced as was the stock race, which was also extended, and the only remaining buffer assembly for coastal freighters was replaced and a second one added.
The external and visible pylons were replaced with traditional turpentine timber pylons and some of the originals when removed were found to have blacksmith forged points to protect the timber while being driven into the seabed.
Cr Fitzpatrick said Council has been told the pylons should last at least another 100 years.
“760 square metres of the main deck was replaced, excluding the access ramp which was replaced in 2016, and 150 square metres for the stockyard and stock race.”
“The over-arching heritage principal of ‘like-for-like’ however means that despite such extensive works, the wharf for all intents and purposes has retained its heritage character and charm.
“Construction team highlights during the restoration included whales swimming very close to the wharf and goannas making surprise appearances while stealing fisher’s catches and scaring the occasional visitor.
“The interest and support of the local community and visitors, including café staff and museum volunteers, during the restoration period has been another highlight.
“Although access to the café and museum was impacted, their tolerance for the staged partial closure of sections of the wharf during restoration was appreciated.
“These works continue the story of a 162-year-old deep water wharf from the coastal shipping era—one of a few remaining in NSW.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said Tathra Wharf is a key heritage site which contributed to the economic and social development of the south coast region in the 1800s, when coastal shipping provided an essential link between isolated communities and the outside world.
“The wharf’s structure and design reflects the engineering and maritime industries of the 19th century and the continued preservation of the structure after 160 years maintains an enduring connection to our region’s colourful history.
“Tathra Wharf may no longer be actively used for shipping, but it still plays an important role for the south coast economy as one of its treasured community assets and tourist attractions.”
Images: James Fennessy -ARN Bega Bay, Bega Valley Shire Council
