Derelict boathouses removed from Atherton Drive Reserve

The NSW Government has completed the removal of five dilapidated and unsafe former boathouses from Atherton Drive Reserve in Urunga on the NSW Coffs Coast, allowing over 1,000 square metres of green, open space to be returned to the local community.

The five unused boathouses were in poor condition and contained asbestos sheeting and other materials which posed a risk to the public and the environment if left to continue deteriorating.

Crown Lands did not receive any commercially viable proposals to refurbish and reuse the buildings after an Expression of Interest process in 2021. Due to the high risk of flooding, the derelict boathouses could not be converted into permanent residential properties.

The Atherton Drive Foreshore Master Plan states that in the absence of viable proposals, the best use of the boathouse sites was to remove the buildings and make the land available for more public foreshore open space.

The five boathouses were removed, and the land sites rehabilitated and returfed, returning 1,088 square metres of land to the public. The foreshore area will be the perfect spot for recreational activities such as picnics, sightseeing and fishing.

The boathouses were built between the 1930s and 1960s. Other boathouses in better condition remain tenanted and in active use on the reserve.

Acting Executive Director of Land & Asset Management at Crown lands Jeremy Davis said the former boathouses were no longer safe and fit for purpose and had to be removed.

“The good news is this site has now been returned to the public as open green space right by the water. The beautiful foreshore is a great spot for a family picnic, or some fishing.

“Crown reserves play an important role protecting the environment and supporting communities with everything from green open space, parks and walking tracks to showgrounds, sporting ovals and community halls.”