Commercial Wharf Opens

Business people, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the community of Lord Howe Island celebrated the November opening of the Port Macquarie commercial wharf.

The commercial wharf, located on the Hastings River at the Birdon Group slipway, is the result of planning that began a decade ago. Council estimates that the Commercial wharf will be worth at least $22.3 million annually to the regional economy, $12 million directly and about $10.3 million indirectly. According to Council’s Manager of Economic Development Trevor Sargeant, who has been driving the commercial wharf project for many years, constructing the wharf opens Port Macquarie’s port capacity beyond Lord Howe Island.

“Developing the commercial wharf to accommodate the needs of Lord Howe Island also opens potential to handle small commercial vessels such as cruisers, super yachts and Government vessels.

“This wharf has potential to stimulate even further economic activity through the expansion of additional boat building, repairs and perhaps project cargos that are not easily transported by road," said Council's Economic Development Manager, Trevor sargeant.