14 August 2014

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam said the completion of the Smithton Wharf was a long time coming, but the end result was something to be truly proud of.

Mayor Quilliam was joined by Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding at the official opening of the wharf today, which has been closed since 2008.

“This is an exciting project that has resulted in new community infrastructure on the Smithton waterfront,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Following the closure of the wharf in 2008, Council strongly pursued external funding for the redevelopment, planning and works associated with upgrading the wharf infrastructure and surrounds.”

Council obtained a $1 million Grant Deed from the former Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (now State Growth) as a result of this approach, with the title for the wharf transferred from Tasports to Council in 2011.

“Council’s Strategic Projects Office steered the project through work with the Smithton Wharf Redevelopment Reference Group, which ensured that the new facility would provide for the fishing industry and other users,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Latrobe-based firm TasSpan Civil Construction was chosen to undertake the works, which began in August last year.”

Key Elements of the project included:

• Demolition of the old wharf
• Placement of rock along the eastern embankment of the Duck River for a length of approximately 120m (as is on the opposite embankment)
• 78.6m long reinforced concrete wharf deck and cross beams supported by polyethylene coated steel piles.
• Lighting of the wharf area
• Single and 3 phase electrical outlets for commercial vessels
• Water outlets
• A waste ‘dump point’ for visiting vessels
• Refurbishment of the existing "loading wharf"
• Demolition of the abalone shell yard and old shed
• Sealed car parking area with seating and landscaping along the river embankment.

Mayor Quilliam took the opportunity to thank all parties involved in the design and construction of the wharf.

“With the enhancement of the western and eastern foreshores of the Duck River, the Smithton Wharf now acts as a key central point for both practical purposes and to provide river frontage for the public,” Mayor Quilliam said.