It may have only been two years in the actual building - but the Eden wharf extension has been a community dream for well over 10 years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Port Authority NSW cruise development manager Natalie Godward said the official wharf opening on Sunday, August 4, will be a significant milestone event for the Eden community.
"It means so much for the people of Eden who fought so hard for this starting years and years ago," Ms Godward said.
"It's proof of what one town can do when the community bands together and fights for what they want.
"The extension is a game changer, it's an amazing result. There isn't any other regional port in NSW with a berth this size [325 metres].
"It means more cruise visitations, opening up the opportunity to showcase the region to visitors from not only Australia but all over the world.
"It's a massive and unprecedented event that we have been working towards for a very long time. A huge celebration for Eden."
READ ALSO: Official opening for Eden wharf
Steve Heffernan was the president of the Eden Chamber of Commerce in 2008 when the community first submitted the wharf extension's first infrastructure application to Infrastructure Australia.
"At that time it wasn't all about cruise ships, the intention was more multipurpose," Mr Heffernan told the Magnet.
"We wanted to support offshore exploration vessels, cruise ships as well as offer a port of refuge for bigger ships.
"Although the national infrastructure program dissolved, the council could see we had the bones of a good proposal and the ball started rolling slowly from there."
Mr Heffernan said the focus began to move towards cruise ships when offshore exploration needs began to fade, and leading cruise company Carnival Cruise Line Australia threw in its support for the project.
"Carnival committed by saying 'if you build it we will come'. It was then that the state and federal governments really sank their teeth into it," he said.
"They could see there was a real focus, the commitment was there."
Mr Heffernan said the opening of the wharf 10 years after its initial infrastructure application showed the patience of a community who banded together with a vision.
"It took a while, but we knew it was a priority. I don't think there are many ports left in the world where people can step off a ship and have that open arms welcome and hometown experience that Eden has to offer.
"Unlike other ports our port heritage is visible. The mixture of services using the port from fishos to yachties and everything in between is there to be seen. It's a very unique experience."
Ms Godward said the Eden community was invited to join "this momentous occasion" to view the extension and celebrate the future of Eden, prior to the arrival of the first cruise ship in September, at which time it will become a working port once again.
The Port Authority of NSW, in conjunction with office of the Minister for Roads and Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance, will host the official opening.
The celebration will take place on Sunday, August 4 at 11am.
