Major changes to cruise operations and the use of the Eden Wharf could see larger cruise ships coming to Eden, stops for longer than a day (although embarking/disembarking would be restricted to 7am-10pm) and more use of the wharf by others, including the Royal Australian Navy.

The details have been released as part of a proposed modification to the State Significant Infrastructure with a scoping report prepared by the Port Authority for the Department of Planning and Environment.

The proposals have the potential to have a major impact on the town and surrounding areas and the community is being asked to be involved in giving their feedback.

The need for the community to be engaged in the process has been re-iterated by council's acting CEO Anthony McMahon who said he was pleased to see the NSW Government was engaging with the community on its plans for further investment in the Port of Eden.

"The proposed modifications to port infrastructure aim to support economic growth for our shire, with opportunities to increase tourism and employment," Mr McMahon said.

"I encourage the Eden community and everyone across the shire to read through the proposal and provide feedback on this project as the proposed changes have the potential for significant impacts on the town and our region," Mr McMahon said.

Council is one of the key stakeholders involved in consultation with the Port Authority.

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Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said there would need to a "lot more worked through on the proposal".

"I would want to see a lot more infrastructure on the table to deal with this and not from council. We would need dedicated infrastructure from the state government," Ms McBain said.

And in a reference to the area which had been cleared of shops and cafes at the wharf, Ms McBain said "we'd want to make sure cafes and services were available".

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director Australasia Joel Katz said Eden had a passionate local community who had done a lot of work to support and develop cruise tourism in the region.

"We welcome the NSW Government's efforts to make careful plans for the future of cruising on the state's South Coast and look forward to Eden playing an important part in the revival of cruise tourism in Australia.

"Eden is a great example of a community that has worked closely with the cruise industry and governments to foster cruise tourism in a way that provides enormous benefits to local people and businesses," Mr Katz said.

Manager at Merimbula Tourism Chris Nicholls said he expected the impacts of the proposals, if they went ahead, to be felt further along the coast.

"This is all predicated by what you do with the people coming in from the ships and there needs to be more to offer them. Merimbula and Tathra will have more opportunities for longer tours," Mr Nicholls said.

However he was concerned about the volume of passengers and transport and said that would have to be resolved.

"There's tremendous potential but I am concerned about the numbers, Of course there's a lot of water to go under the bridge still at this stage," he added.

There has been growing demand from the cruise and shipping industries and the Royal Australian Navy to expand the use of existing facilities.

The proposed modifications at Eden Cruise Wharf include:

A fixed walkway between dolphin 1 and the wharf is proposed. The proposal also includes the construction of additional mooring infrastructure to enable the largest Oasis class vessels to berth alongside the wharf.

This would include an additional dolphin 60m seaward of the existing dolphins and the option to install a fixed passenger walkway from the edge of the wharf to the first dolphin and then a cantilever structure from dolphin 1 to dolphin 2 to provide access to Oasis class passengers.

Consultation with community groups and stakeholders over the next few weeks will inform an environmental assessment report for assessment and consideration by planning authorities.

To find out more about the proposal, visit Eden Cruise Wharf | Port Authority New South Wales

To register your interest for updates and to be notified when you can have your say email: EdenCruiseFacilityMOD3@portauthoritynsw.com.au

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