Unfortunately for those on the south coast, and we are considering moving there, there are few places to moor a boat. Callala Bay is an open ocean anchorage in these conditions and I would never moor a valuable boat there. It is the same as building your house on a flood plain and then complaining when it gets flooded. Greenwell Point and Currambene Creek are the only two reasonable spots for a boat.

I can see a marina being built in JB if the environmental restrictions can be resolved.

Loosechange, I agree.
When there were proposals to move the Navy to JB in the 80s/90s I was one of those who would have chained myself to the earthmovers, despite being in the Navy then.
But there must be a growing chorus of south coast boat owners and potential boat owners after somewhere to put a boat. I don't know how many spots are left in Greenwell Pt and Currambene Ck but they must be filling up.

As it stands at present there is no marina between Wollongong and Batemans Bay on the South Coast. This situation disadvantages the entire South Coast as a cruising destination. Given that the Shell Cove Marina was finally approved by the Council and State Planning in 2008, yet here in 2012 boat owners in Shellharbour are still waiting for the first sod to be turned and a start made.

The latest news (3 weeks ago) courtesy Illawarra Mercury, Thursday 7th June 2012

"Shellharbour's application for a $10 million federal grant for the long-delayed Shell Cove boat harbour and marina has been rejected for a second time."

Based on that time line and the incompetence of Shoalhaven City Council I think it safe to say that no marina will ever be built in the Shoalhaven area and certainly not in JB.

Currently none of the major marine insurance companies are willing to insure a yacht moored in Calala Bay. Another knock for South Coast yachting.

From the Illawarra Mercury 25/05/2012 "At last! The Shell Cove marina finally has a start date after Shellharbour Mayor Kellie Marsh gave an "iron-clad guarantee" that work on the stalled project would begin by early 2013."

Just remember it was a politician that said it and we all know what their "iron-clad guarantees" are worth.

Current projected completion date is 2022. Uh huh! Please bear in mind that the Shell Cove Marina complex was first mooted over forty years ago.

Anyone here still think that Shoalhaven or JB will ever get a marina?

Ramona said...

nswsailor said...

Plenty of room I think.

Ton of room and heaven for catamarans and tri's. Do any of them ever leave the creek?
Still part of the National park and therefore no development.

No use to the yachts at Callala, most of the larger ones would not get in on a normal tide. Still have to sail over to Callala to race, no yacht club at Husky.

Ummm ...Ramona that's a pic of the Shoalhaven River at Greenwell Point. Not Currambene Creek as you seem to be inferring by your comments. Notice the West Street slipway up there in the top left corner?

Harry