02 6499 2222 council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Tathra Wharf Restoration

Restoration of the Tathra Wharf sub-structure, structure and building.

Project Summary/background

The Tathra Wharf was constructed in 1862 and as one of the few remaining coastal deep water wharves of the coastal shipping era is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. The wharf sustained significant damage during the 2016 east coast low event, which necessitated $500,000 of urgent repair works. As part of these works a structural inspection, by a marine structural engineer and divers, was undertaken of the supporting sub-structure. This assessment identified that a significant proportion of the sub-structure (piles) and structure (girders and decking) of the wharf had deteriorated to such a degree that major restoration work was urgently required.  Detailed condition assessments were subsequently undertaken.

Under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program via Crown Lands, Bega Valley Shire Council was awarded $7.1 million (excluding GST) to contribute towards the wharf restoration, upgrade of the Tathra Wharf and Headland precinct.

The project consisted of:

  • the restoration of the wharf structure, including the replacement of piles, girders and decking, consistent with Heritage NSW requirements; and
  • the restoration of the wharf cargo building, consistent with Heritage NSW requirements.
  • the project also developed a precinct plan for the Tathra Headland to improve the traffic, cycle and pedestrian circulation, connectivity and wayfinding at wharf and headland.
  • the restoration of the wharf cargo building, consistent with Heritage NSW requirments.

Purpose

Tathra Wharf is an iconic structure situated in a prominent position on Tathra Headland. Today the wharf remains an important piece of infrastructure for the local economy, in particular as a tourist attraction as well as a fishing and recreational asset.  

The purpose of this project is to undertake major restoration works to the wharf and building to address the deterioration and structural deficiencies identified in the detailed condition assessments, to ensure the long- term preservation of this important asset.

The project objectives are to:

  • restore the wharf sub-structure (piles) and structure (girders and decking) in accordance with heritage requirements
  • restore the wharf building in accordance with heritage requirements
  • improve safety and accessibility

The key benefits of the project are:

  • preservation of this important community, economic and heritage asset; and
  • improvement in the safety and accessibility of the wharf.

Funding

Bega Valley Shire Council has received $7.1 million (excluding GST) grant funding from the NSW Government’s Stimulus Package to support regional economies to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan and Delivery Program

This project is identified in the Community Strategic Plan under:

  • Goal 1: We are co-operative, caring and enjoy a culturally rich community life.
    • Strategy 2: Respect and promote our cultural heritage and support cultural diversity.
      • Progress Measures - Infrastructure Milestones - Tathra Wharf Structure

The project is identified in the Delivery Program 2017-2022 under:

  • 5.10.11 Manage the delivery of major transport infrastructure
    • 5.10.11.2 Deliver the upgrade of Tathra Wharf

Wharf Structure Restoration Works

The scope of works for the Tathra Wharf Restoration Project is based on a detailed condition assessment of the structure by marine engineers and divers, and consultation with Heritage NSW. The works will essentially be ‘like-for-like’ and include repair or replacement of:

  • piles, structural timbers and decking
  • concrete boots, footings and pads
  • cross bracing and fixings
  • handrails, toe rails and kerbing
  • stockyards and stockrace
  • ladders, lighting and ancillary items.

Work Stages and Program

Image showing the work stages of the wharf.The wharf structure works were carried out in six stages:

  • Pink: Stage 1: October 2022 – January 2023
  • Green: Stage 2: February 2023 – June 2023
  • Blue: Stage 3: July 2023 – August 2023
  • Dark blue: Stage 4: September 2023 – October 2023
  • Yellow: Stage 5: November 2023 – December 2023
  • Purple: Stage 6: January 2024 – June 2024

Vehicle and pedestrian access arrangements were constrained during the works, however public access to the Wharf Café, museum and part of the wharf deck was maintained throughout the duration of the works.

The scope of works also recognises the importance of the marine ecology beneath the wharf and includes minimisation measures (e.g. seahorse relocation) and mitigation measures (e.g. marine growth preservation and promotion of recolonisation).

The scope of the Tathra Wharf cargo building restoration works will be subject to available funding and Heritage NSW approval and is proposed to include weatherproofing, minor structural works and services upgrades.

Who can I speak to:

David Buckley
Bega Valley Shire Council
Phone: (02) 6499 2222
Email: dbuckley@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

Timeline of works


  • October to December 2021

    Restoration works scope development.

    Stakeholder consultation.

    Heritage Section 60 application and assessment – wharf structure works.

    Review of Environmental Factors.

  • January 2022

    Heritage Approval.

    Part 5 EPA Act assessment.

    Fisheries Permit assessment.

    Design & specification finalisation.

  • February 2022

    Part 5 EPA Act approval.

    Fisheries approval.

  • March to April 2022

    Public tender wharf structure works

  • June 2022

    Contract award wharf structure works.

  • October 2022 to May 2024

    Wharf structure restoration works: download the project sign with staged work schedule

    Building restoration works (staged).

  • July 2024

    Wharf Structure work completed.

  • Mid 2025

    Wharf Cargo work to be completed mid 2025

Frequently Asked Questions


The detailed condition assessment determined that the following components need to be replaced:

  • 48 of the 108 piles
  • 50% of the headstocks and girders
  • 100% of the decking
  • 100% of the stockyard and stock race

Note: the ramped section of the wharf, replaced in 2016 after the East Coast Low storm damage, is in very good condition and only requires minor works eg. handrail replacement.

All restoration works is subject to Heritage NSW review and approval to ensure the heritage significance of the wharf is retained.  The scope of works is being developed in consultation with Heritage NSW, and Council is being advised by a heritage consultant.

Essentially, the restoration works will involve like-for-like replacement of components, replicating materials, dimensions and finishes.

New timber, while initially red / brown, will rapidly weather in this marine environment to the current aged grey color.

The restoration works will be undertaken in stages.

Access to the wharf museum and wharf café will be retained throughout via fenced off walkways.

Access for fishers and sightseers to part of the wharf deck will be retained via either the stock race or a fenced off walkway on the wharf ramp.

The wharf was designed and constructed for the berthing of coastal freighters of up to 1000 tonnes, cargo, stock and transport vehicles.  The condition of the substructure would not support this activity now, however the wharf is safe for its current use, ie pedestrian traffic.

As witnessed during the 2016 East Coast Low, the wharf should not be accessed during major storm or ocean events. Warning signage on the wharf should be observed on these occasions.

Council have undertaken technical assessment of the cargo building structure, electrical, lighting, hydraulic and fire services, as well as consultation with the café and museum operators, in order to developed a scope of works for the cargo building.  A Section 60 Application will be submitted for the proposed works in early 2022.  The final scope of works will be subject to Heritage approval and available budget on completion of the wharf structure restoration works.

All timber will be recovered to Council’s Bridge Maintenance Yard and depending on it’s condition will be dealt with as follows:

  • Tier 1:  Retained by Council for maintenance stock for Council’s 70+ timber bridges.
  • Tier 2:  Retained by Council for re-purposing as public furniture, decking, bollards etc within Council’s parks and reserves.
  • Tier 3:  Sold in lots through public auction for landscaping, woodworking, firewood etc.  Funds raised to be returned to the restoration project budget.  Small offcuts will be sold through the Tathra Wharf Museum as fund raising for the museum.
  • Tier 4:  Transported to Council’s Central Waste Facility and chipped.

News and Updates

 

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