Boating facilities on Pittwater are being improved with a $1.12 million project now underway to benefit boat owners and the environment.

Northern Beaches Council has started upgrade works at Rowland Reserve by improving the stormwater drainage around the Rowland Reserve boat wash down bay at the southern end of Pittwater.

Council General Manager Mark Ferguson said the area is one of the busiest on the Northern Beaches and is used by hundreds of boaties every week.

“We know boating is one of the most popular leisure activities across the Northern Beaches and this project is about making sure the facilities we provide keep pace with growing demand as well as ensuring we protect our beautiful environment.

“It is a win-win for everyone,” Mr Ferguson said.          

The old wash down bay had inadequate drainage, which meant any pollutants washed off boats and engines could run across the asphalt surface, potentially causing damage to the surface and seepage into Winnererremy Bay.

A new pollutant trap has been installed to capture contaminant run-off.  The capacity of boat wash down bays has also been increased from two bays to three.

The upgrade is part of a $1.12 million Northern Beaches Council project to improve boating facilities at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, which include improvements to parking and an upgrade to boat launch ramps through the addition of pontoons.

These works will be undertaken later this year.                                                                      

The program is being funded with the assistance of a $1 million grant from the NSW Boating Now program administered by Roads and Maritime Services.