Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser said construction had been brought forward to enable the pontoon to open ahead of schedule and cater to the urgent need for recreational boat access.

“Coffs Harbour is an important regional port managed by the NSW Government, with excellent infrastructure and facilities for commercial fishing as well as the tourism industry,” Mr Fraser said.

“As locals and regular users of the harbour know, a severe storm in June this year devastated the marina, making public access difficult.

“The new pontoon, located at the western end of the inner harbour, will allow recreational boats, tourism charter and industry vessels to load and unload before going out to sea or the outer harbour as the Northern Breakwater and Boat Maintenance Facility are being rebuilt.”

Mr Fraser said the floating pontoon is easily accessible to the public and its gangway connects to a timber jetty.

The pontoon may also be used to queue boats for the adjoining short-term boat maintenance facility, he said.

“Throughout 2016, the NSW Government has driven a number of projects to upgrade infrastructure in Coffs Harbour including the Northern Breakwater, slipway and the public pontoon under the Coastal Infrastructure Program managed by the Department of Industry – Lands.

“These works demonstrate our commitment to supporting local economies through improving maritime facilities, which are the heart of our coastal towns.”

Located about 440 kilometres north of Sydney, Coffs Harbour is the only deep water, all-weather port entrance between Port Stephens and Brisbane.