Recreational boaters in Forster will soon have access to two public marine waste pump-out facilities, aimed at improving water quality and protecting the health of Wallis Lake.
MidCoast Council, with support from the NSW Government, is delivering the facilities at Memorial Drive and Forster Marina, allowing boaters to safely dispose of onboard toilet waste directly into the sewer network.
The Memorial Drive facility will cater for vessels operating in the calmer waters west of the Forster-Tuncurry Bridge, while the Forster Marina facility will accommodate larger boats and vessels operating in the harbour area east of the bridge.
The Memorial Drive site previously offered pump-out services under a former owner, while the Forster Marina project will upgrade the existing facility.
Council says the two locations will make responsible waste disposal more convenient for recreational boaters, reducing the risk of wastewater entering Wallis Lake.
The lake is a significant environmental, recreational and economic asset for the MidCoast, with water quality essential to maintaining healthy marine habitats and supporting local tourism and recreation.
The project follows water quality investigations prompted by a previous norovirus outbreak in Wallis Lake, along with extensive consultation involving Transport for NSW Maritime, local stakeholders and council.
Those investigations identified a need for accessible waste disposal facilities catering to different vessel types and boating areas.
Both facilities are expected to be operational by Friday, 30 October.
Council says the infrastructure will help boaters dispose of waste responsibly while supporting the long-term protection of Wallis Lake and its surrounding marine environment.
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