Upgraded jetty sparkles at Spencer Park, Merimbula

Merimbula's new locally-made modern, floating jetty at Spencer Park has been officially opened.

The jetty replaces the dilapidated timber pile boating and fishing jetty that was built in 1959 and no longer met modern safety standards.

The new jetty will require less maintenance and is much more suited to recreational use and for boat moorings. It also includes wheelchair access, making it easier and more accessible for people to embark and disembark from vessels.

The jetty will continue to be a community asset that’s open to the public and acts as a fishing platform – one of only two on the northern side of Merimbula Lake.

The $360,000 project was jointly funded by the Australian Government (contributing more than $225,000) as well as the New South Wales Fishing Trusts, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club Inc.

Quotes attributable to Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“I’m thrilled to have officially opened the new jetty here in Merimbula.

“The Spencer Park jetty has always been a much-loved community asset and this new jetty will be no different - it will continue to be used by locals and tourists for many years to come.

“The old jetty desperately needed an upgrade and I am rapt that the Federal Government, NSW Government and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal have come together to help the Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club make this possible. 

“Having a modern, safe and accessible jetty will also be a drawcard for tourists which will have flow on benefits for the wider community.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders:

“This new jetty will become a proud focal point for community events staged at Spencer Park.

“The jetty is also a useful facility year-round as a recognised fishing and swimming platform as well as a docking facility for vessels privately moored in the lake.”

Quotes attributable to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal CEO Natalie Edleton:

“Drought, fires and then COVID meant that rural and regional community groups and organisation like the Angling Club have had reduced capacity to fundraise over recent years.

“Thanks to those who donated to the Fire Fight Australia concert, we were able to help fund the planning documents and Council permits that in turn led to the construction of the jetty.

“Providing this kind of capacity-building support that assists fire-affected communities recover when the time is right for them is vital.

“Through this project, the Angling Club has been able to renew a local facility that will strengthen social connectedness, encourage local recreation and bring visitors to the area.”

Quotes attributable to Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club Inc. Secretary Chris Young:

"This is the culmination of a project commenced by the club in 2018 after the existing jetty was found to be close to failure due to rot and borers in its piles.

“The jetty is occupied by local fishers as well as tourists almost every day of the year and highly regarded for targeting of the common species that can be found in the lake.

“The new jetty remains a community asset, but now it is a much safer and more useful facility.”