Huon Valley Council is celebrating the completion of the new floating pontoon at Shipwrights Point, delivering a safer, more accessible and welcoming space at one of the Huon Valley’s most loved foreshore locations for fishing and boating.
Mayor Sally Doyle said the project has been warmly welcomed by the community. “Shipwrights Point is one of our most popular waterfront areas, and improvements like this support both local recreation and the visitor experience across the Huon Valley” Mayor Doyle said. “This project has had strong community support, and it’s great to be able to deliver an upgrade that people can enjoy for years to come.”
The new pontoon replaces the original timber jetty, which was decommissioned in February 2022 due to its age and dilapidated condition. The new pontoon provides a fantastic, renewed space for fishing, launching, tying up and enjoying time on the water.
Commodore of the Huon Yacht Club Phillip Holmes welcomed the completion of the new infrastructure and its benefits for local boating activity.
“Huon Yacht Club members would like to express to Huon Valley Council how much we value and appreciate the new jetty which has already demonstrated its value to our club and to our nearby friends at the Port Cygnet Sailing Club over the recent McLaren races this month,” Mr Holmes said. “The local fishermen who have been fishing from the shoreline following the loss of the previous jetty can now be seen regularly enjoying the new jetty. “
The project is part of Council’s ongoing investment in fit-for-purpose infrastructure across the Huon Valley, supporting community recreation and tourism at one of the region’s most popular waterfront areas.
Importantly, the new floating pontoon rises and falls with the tide and changing water levels, providing consistent, safer access to boats and watercraft whether the river is high or low. Associated works have also been completed, including upgrades to the access track, installation of stormwater infrastructure, and new signage and bollards across the foreshore.
The replacement works were co-funded by Maritime and Safety Tasmania (MAST), Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) through a Better Fishing Grant, and The Tasmanian Government as part of their 2024 election commitment.
Back row (left-to-right): Secretary of the Huon Yacht Club Gary McDonald, Commodore of the Huon Yacht Club Phillip Holmes, Huon Valley Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lachlan Kranz
Front row (left-to-right): Major Projects Officer Sandy Rustell, Councillor Amy Robertson, Mayor Sally Doyle