New Zealand civil engineering company Heron Construction have recently completed a dredging project at Snug Cove.

Eden dredging to clear way for wharf extension

Stage one will include the construction of a rock wall and an Aboriginal Whale Dreaming platform. It will run from Warrens Walk, to the Aboriginal Whale Dreaming platform at Victoria terrace.

Bundian Way project manager, Noel Whittem said that construction of the trail is “a truly local project”.

The Bundian Way Aboriginal work crew built and installed the platform, the rock wall is being built by Hum Wilkinson a rock wall builder from Tathra and Sapphire Coast Engineering fabricated and installed the railings on the viewing platform. 

The Whale Dreaming Trail will unfold in three stages and will tell the Aboriginal history of whaling in Eden through built infrastructure and interpretative signage. The Eden local Aboriginal Lands Council (LALC) also hopes to run guided tours along the trail. 

The Trail is an important project that acknowledges and celebrates Aboriginal contributions to whaling in the area and also the intimate knowledge that Aboriginal people have of whales, built up over many thousands of years.

Stage two will run from the Aboriginal Whale Dreaming platform to Thompson’s Point overlooking the ocean baths. Stage three will run from Thompson’s point to a viewing platform at Mirare Point overlooking Cattle Bay.

 Mr Whittem said that the Aboriginal Whale Dreaming Trail will be the perfect shared history walk.

“The trail will be a valuable piece of infrastructure for the community, and the Eden LALC for cultural tourism practices,” he said.“It will complement the Eden Killer Whale Museum by providing Aboriginal whaling stories of the community in Eden.”

While funding has been secured for stage one, the Eden LALC and the Bundian Way project are currently seeking funding for stage two. Funding for stage three is awaiting confirmation from the South East Local Lands Services.