Port works continue at Barwon Heads

BARWON Coast is marking a busy time managing the local port of Barwon Heads, completing more than 20 projects over the past 18 months.

The committee of management oversees the port under the Port Management Act 1995, with the role taking in the management of boating activities as well as maintenance of the port facilities, a navigable channel and navigational aids.

Barwon Coast has managed the port since 1997 and estimates about 6,000 vessels move through it each year, including recreational vessels, Marine Search and Rescue, emergency services, community groups and commercial operators.

Port projects completed in the 2022-2023 financial year included Ozone Jetty maintenance works (Stages 1 and 2) to replace and paint weathered and rotted decking planks, handrails, structural timbers and jetty capping.

Works on he Main Jetty (Stage 1) involved the replacement of weathered and rotted decking and the painting of jetty capping.

The Beacon Replacement and Refurbishment Program revamped and replaced navigational beacons south of the Barwon Heads pedestrian bridge, including the installation of new self-monitoring, SATCOM-capable solar powered lights that will notify Barwon Coast when the light batteries are low or faulty.

The successful Boating Channel Safety Realignment Trial involved the repositioning of two buoys and addition of one new buoy at the boating channel pinch point (Jimmy’s Reef) to provide a safer boating channel, and the installation of a real-time tide gauge on Main Jetty.

“Managing the port well is critical to the safety and wellbeing of our waterways, port users and community; it’s another way we care for the coast,” Barwon Coast chair Sandy Gatehouse said.

Barwon Coast chief executive officer said the organisation considered the safety of the port and community as a priority.

“Safety is a critical part of Barwon Coast’s role as port manager, and our qualified and dedicated team is committed to supporting this vital service to support our coast and our port community.

“We have a number of projects coming up over the next financial year, including the next stages of works on the Main and Ozone jetties and further channel safety realignment works.”