The Dolls Point Wharf will be demolished at a cost of $450,000, under a proposal to be considered by Bayside Council.

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In 2009 concrete cancer was found on the base of the wharf's concrete deck. As a result, the wharf and access under the wharf were closed to the public.

The council appointed a consultant who has confirmed that: "No remedial work can be carried out to stop and protect the corroded cables to lengthen the structural life of the concrete planks. The only option would be to demolish the planks and topping layer and replace with either a timber or dense concrete deck, supported on the existing headstocks and piles which are still in sound condition."

In November 2023, the council endorsed the proposal to partially demolish Dolls Point Wharf subject to available funding.

In the time since the council's decision, the load-bearing members supporting the deck have further deteriorated. Demolition has been delayed due to ongoing negotiations with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), the landowner.

The council has three options:

• Demolition and total removal of whole structure to cost $450,000
• Partial demolition at $300,000.
• Renewal of the deck using existing piers and headstocks with an estimated cost of $650,000.

Based on the condition of the deteriorating wharf, and the ongoing cost to the council to renew, maintain and have an agreement with TfNSW for any part of the structure to remain, it is recommended the wharf be completely removed and the beach fully opened to the public.

When the wharf was installed in 1988, it was hoped the wharf would form a link in a proposed ferry service around Botany Bay, connecting Kogarah Bay, the Brighton Wharf, La Perouse, and Kurnell.

"Unfortunately, this service never became a reality. The wharf was proposed to be used by the boating community as a safety mooring if vessels got into difficulties in this area of Botany Bay," according to the council's report.

"This use has similarly not been realised due to strong currents in the area, which makes it difficult for craft to manoeuvre onto the wharf. There is also regular accumulation of sand in this area that at times prevents boats accessing the wharf. The main uses for the wharf have been for people fishing, and for sightseers/visitors walking along the adjacent Cook Park seawall and looking across Georges River to Towra Point.

"The wharf does not afford any significant improvement to views across to Towra Point than other nearby vantage points, and there are alternative locations for recreational fishing nearby."

The recommendation will go to the next full council meeting for endorsement.