Forty Baskets tidal pool repairs delayed to 2020

Manly Cove locals have been left in the dark over delays to repair works at Forty Baskets tidal pool, which will now see the wharf inaccessible for another year.

The repairs, which began in early December 2018, were expected to be completed by June this year, however work has been postponed due to the need to consult with heritage planners.

During the initial repairs, it was discovered the pools have heritage significance. Therefore, Council has been working closely with heritage planners, a heritage consultant and structural/marine engineers to create a future design that preserves heritage elements, has minimal impact on the nearby threatened seahorse species, and is structurally sound.

The designs are expected to be completed by August this year and will then be unveiled to the public for comment before being open for tender.

Sally Darmanin, local resident of Manly Cove, says she is “disappointed” these updates to the construction work were not communicated to locals.

“There’s the suggestion they maybe knew about the delays six months ago and they didn’t tell us,” she tells Peninsula Living.

“It’s not just about the locals. There is no other good public access to that bay by people with boats besides Manly Wharf, which is incredibly busy, and the wharf at Forty Baskets is often used by water taxis and for wedding party photoshoots.  

“There was no communication with Council other than the signs that went up in November/December last year that stated the finish date would be in June.”

However, Manly Ward councillor Sarah Grattan says Council did not need to explicitly update locals due to the nature of the work.

“This is maintenance work, not a new project, so there is no community consultation regarding the delay,” she tells Peninsula Living.  

“I’m sure there are neighbours to the wharf that are disappointed with the eyesore, but there is no point doing a small patch-up job rather than a quality job that may take a bit of time.”

The tidal pools are expected to be re-opened in July or August 2020.