MARMONG Point Marina will become one of the largest marinas in the state, when the NSW Government today approves its expansion from 160 to 245 berths.
Assistant Planning Minister Barbara Perry will approve the $4 million project, which includes a 170-metre public boardwalk.
Ms Perry said the project would meet increasing demand for boat storage on Lake Macquarie.
"This approval will consolidate an important recreation and tourism facility on Lake Macquarie, bringing economic benefits," Ms Perry said.
Marmong Point Marina owner Les Binkin said 85 new berths would be built and 75 of the existing 160 berths replaced.
Mr Binkin said construction would begin within a month.
"This will be a great asset for Lake Macquarie," Mr Binkin said.
"I've put my heart and soul into this project and it's taken a long time to gain approval, so I'm satisfied we can move forward and build it."
The redevelopment will create 25 construction jobs.
It includes a public sewer pump-out system and a 30-metre-wide navigation channel to allow safe boating around the marina and to a public boat ramp.
"The public will continue to have access to the marina's fuel berth via the proposed navigation channel," Ms Perry said.
Twenty-two swing moorings and 10 commercial moorings will be moved for the project.
Mr Binkin will pay for new public dinghy storage racks to "tidy up the foreshore and reduce foreshore damage", Ms Perry said.
Mr Binkin said a development application was being prepared for a second $8 million stage of work, including 110 dry storage berths, a 120-seat restaurant, a cafe and new hardstand, marine business and workshop areas.
The NSW Government last September approved a marina at Trinity Point in Morisset Park, that included 188 berths (two stages of 94 berths each), a conference centre, restaurant, cafe, shops, village piazza and boardwalk.
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