WATSONS BAY WHARF UPGRADE MAKES WAVES

from Eastern Suburbs Life - January 2023 - Edition 49

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WATSONS BAY WHARF UPGRADE MAKES WAVES

Early December saw over 100 interested and vocal locals flock to the Watsons Bay Hotel for a meeting – hosted by owner Fraser Short and facilitated by Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne – to review proposed government plans for upgrading the Watsons Bay Wharf.

This was one of a number of community meetings held. “This high level of interest underscores the significance of the wharf, not only as transport infrastructure, but also as a centrepiece of the Watsons Bay maritime community with such strong heritage significance,” Roger Bayliss, President of the Watsons Bay Association Inc, told Eastern Suburbs Life.

Indeed, many attendees felt the heritage appeal of this historic local icon needs to be considered; that more thought should be given to sympathetic restoration rather than a formulaic design theme, which had been duplicated at other wharves such as at Rose Bay and Manly. Transport for NSW has proposed two designs however limitations in this choice have attracted a mixed reception. Though both options offer increased accessibility – for those with mobility needs or prams – as well as in capacity, offering larger waiting areas sheltered from the weather, Option 2 creates two wharves, with a new structure dominating the beach area, so it did not receive much support. However, another suggestion was well received. “Many residents reacted positively to a community-based ‘Option 3’. This option was created by a local, renowned architectural illustrator Irene Still. "This alternative provided for a simple extension of the wharf, retaining existing leaseholders and with several much-needed recreational boating berthing points,” Bayliss noted. Such an extended wharf also would create less disturbance to marine life in the bay shallows. Another concern raised was the future of a local institution. As Independent Candidate for Vaucluse Karen Freyer highlighted: “The lease for the Sydney Game Fishing Club – which is housed on the wharf – expires next year. Shockingly, one of the options presented by Transport for NSW doesn’t include the Club. As you can imagine, Club members are beside themselves, as it’s been a firm fixture of Watsons Bay since 1952. The NSW Government has always wanted to commercialise this area... The lease of the Fishing Club is up for review and the Masterplan [for South Head] is in the same space as well," Freyer pointed out. "All these moving parts seem to be happening at the same time. I don’t really think it’s a coincidence.”

As Bayliss underlined: “Transport for NSW needs to carefully digest the views expressed by so many well-informed members of our community. They all care about the future of Watsons Bay – Australia’s first village.”