The first stage involved dredging the port and the construction and installation of 4000 square metres of scour protection safeguarding the wharf from turbulence generated by cruise ship propulsion systems.

Bega MP Andrew Constance said “it’s a significant milestone for the project which saw approximately 210,000 cubic metres dredged and 172 scour protection mattresses being fabricated and laid on the seabed.”

Waterway Constructions will commence stage two driving some 127 steel piles into the seabed to create the foundations for the new wharf and mooring structures.

“This work is due to start in April and construction is expected to take up to eight months to complete, weather permitting,” Mr Constance said.

Aboriginal participation in the construction workforce has exceeded the 1.5 per cent the NSW Government requires for projects over $10 million.

“The social enterprise arm of Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, Mundabaa Constructions had up to 19 Aboriginal employees working on Stage One of the project and we hope to continue those levels of local Aboriginal employment in the project,” Mr Constance said.

Mr Constance said the major project is a significant investment to drive economic activity in the south east of the state.

“The project involves extending the existing Breakwater Wharf to allow cruise ships up to 325 metres long to berth in the port,” he said.

The project is fully funded with $32 million supported by NSW Government, the Australian Government $10 million and the Bega Valley Shire Council, $2 million.