The funding was allocated as part of a $1.5 million ongoing rehabilitation project for the wharf.

President of the Eden Chamber of Commerce (ECC), Steve Heffernan, was present at yesterday’s announcement and expressed the chamber’s anticipation of further funding to be allocated in the future for the ECC Port Advisory Group’s plans.

“While the funding announced today is separate from our breakwater and commercial wharf plans, it shows our current assets are being looked after,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Any funding allocation down here makes us hopeful we can secure money and advancement for assets in the future.

“As long as we stay in the bigger picture, then we’re content,” he said.

Mr Kelly outlined plans for the funding to be used, with $400,000 allocated to the main (or middle) wharf to prevent corrosion.

“Construction is very different on a site like a wharf, with most of this work taking place underneath the actual structure,” Mr Kelly said.

“This funding will go towards preventing corrosion underneath the wharf, and protecting the places where fishing boats actually pull up.

“The other $100,000 has been allocated for repairs to fender chains on the mooring jetty that will benefit both commercial and recreational users,” he said.

Mayor Tony Allen said this allocation of funding was a good contribution from the government to just one local project, and signalled the likelihood of more in the future.

“We of course welcome the Minister back to Eden, every time he comes here he seems to bring something new with him,” Mr Allen said.

“We appreciate this funding and look forward to working with the Minister on new projects - there are a lot of new projects in the melting pot right now that to go ahead need the support of Ministers both state and local.

“Funding like this has a snowball effect that will continue to grow and grow, and this is a stepping stone for other projects we have in mind,” Mr Allen said.

Minister Kelly welcomed the idea of new projects and said work on the wharf is expected to commence in August 2009.

The announcement comes on top of $100,000 granted by the State Government in April, which was matched by the Bega Valley Shire Council for the progress of the Snug Cove Master Plan.