County Offaly firm Inland and Coastal Marinas Ltd has delivered the longest public floating wave attenuator – or breakwater – now installed in Australia at the Geelong Waterfront Safe Harbour Precinct project in the state of Victoria.
Working with local firm Poralu Marine the major work has just been completed at Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), with Poralu the main general contractor for this turn-key multi-million-dollar project.
Just six months ago, the wide load was navigating Birr town on its way down under as as Afloat reported here
The heavy-duty wide floating concrete wave attenuator that was shipped from Ireland last November will now protect the first stage of a brand-new aluminium made marina.
The harbour that could previously shelter 280 berths has been completely remodelled simultaneously with the waterfront. The fixed jetties will eventually be replaced by the floating versatile system to offer around 360 berths which can moor boats ranging from eight to twenty-seven meters.
The Inland and Coastal Marina Ltd produced massive concrete structure was shipped from Ireland last November
This project marks an important milestone for the Victorian shores. Wangim Walk (which means boomerang in the Wadawurrung language) is a 440-metre-long concrete public wave attenuator and amongst the longest built in Australia in a similar area exposed to strong winds. With its width of five to six meters and its 20-meter-long gangway, the wave attenuator is highly noticeable and was designed not only to welcome visitors for a unique on-water experience but also as a wave protection for the harbour and to facilitate the berthing of temporary vessels and mega yachts.
RGYC General Manager Phil Clohesy declares: “The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is delighted to deliver this iconic new feature to the Geelong waterfront and community. Wangim Walk functions as a floating breakwater to protect the harbour and allow for RGYC to operate floating docks safely and successfully. Well-protected marinas are the most sought-after marina facilities for all boaters, so this is great news for the waterfront. We look forward to Wangim Walk bringing pleasure to all those who live in the city and region and those who come to visit our beautiful bay and waterfront.”
