New Public Pontoon at Hunters Hill Now Complete

New Public Pontoon Opens at Hunters Hill Sailing Club

A new $193,500 public pontoon at Hunters Hill Sailing Club in Woolwich, located on the Parramatta River, will officially open this Saturday. This project marks a significant milestone for the local boating and sailing community.

Supported by the Better Boating Program

Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Director Tony Middleton announced that the pontoon was partially funded by the Roads and Maritime Services’ Better Boating Program (BBP) under the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program (SSHAP).

“The new floating pontoon and gangway is the only such facility in the area and will provide safer access for all boaters in Sydney Harbour,” Mr. Middleton said.

Located adjacent to the boat ramp at Hunters Hill Sailing Club, the pontoon will serve year-round hunters hill sailing activities and also offers assisted disability access.

Accessible for Public Use

The pontoon will be open to the general public as a pick-up and drop-off point at Woolwich and Clarkes Point Reserve, with a maximum 15-minute stay. With a draft of 85cm, the facility is well-suited to meet the needs of boaters in the area, adding a vital infrastructure for Sydney Harbour users.

Fundraising Efforts by Hunters Hill Sailing Club

The sailing club successfully applied for $96,735 in the 2010/11 round of SSHAP funding. According to Hunters Hill Sailing Club President Andrew Curtin, the remaining funds were raised through donations from club members and the local sailing community.

“The new pontoon provides safer access to the water and will allow the club to more easily host sailing regattas with other sailing clubs in the area,” Mr. Curtin stated.

He emphasized that the pontoon will make a significant difference for junior sailors who have faced challenges launching and retrieving dinghies from the club’s concrete ramp.

“This pontoon eliminates the safety risks posed by high wash, rocks, and oysters when accessing the club’s coaching and rescue boats or launching and retrieving sailing vessels.”

Enhancing Hunters Hill Sailing Infrastructure

The pontoon complements the club’s existing facilities, which include boat storage, parking, a grassed rigging area, and a boat ramp. These enhancements solidify the club’s position as a key hub for hunters hill sailing and community engagement in the region.

Promoting Accessibility to Sydney Harbour

Mr. Middleton highlighted that this facility is a valuable addition to Sydney Harbour’s boating infrastructure. Its strategic location near Woolwich also makes it accessible for those visiting Cockatoo Island, further expanding its utility for recreational boaters.

Decades of State Government Support for Maritime Projects

Since 1998, the State Government has invested more than $35 million in over 600 maritime infrastructure projects across NSW. The pontoon at Hunters Hill Sailing Club exemplifies the positive impact of these grants on local communities.

A Boating Destination Enhanced by Cockatoo Island

The proximity of the new pontoon to Cockatoo Island makes it an ideal stopover for boaters exploring Sydney Harbour. The improved facilities at Hunters Hill Sailing Club will undoubtedly attract more sailing enthusiasts and visitors to the area, strengthening the connection between these iconic destinations.

This new pontoon is a testament to the dedication of the local hunters hill sailing community and the importance of investing in maritime infrastructure. Whether you’re a sailor, a boater, or a visitor to Cockatoo Island, this addition promises to enhance your experience on the water.