Russell Wharf Repair & Maintenance Works – July 2026
Work is set to begin on Russell Wharf this July to carry out essential concrete repairs and protective treatments to the wharf structure. It comes at a cost of around $100,000 and is an important investment to keep the wharf safe, functional, and in good condition for the Russell community and visitors for years to come.
Why is this work needed?
Like many older concrete marine structures built in the 1980s, low quality steel was used, and the Russell Wharf has been affected by the harsh coastal environment. Over time, saltwater causes the steel reinforcing bars inside the concrete to corrode and expand, which leads to the concrete cracking and flaking away — a process known as spalling.
In addition, the seaward side of the wharf sustained timber damage following an impact from a ferry, which also needs to be repaired.
Addressing these issues now prevents more serious and costly deterioration in the future, and ensures the wharf remains safe for everyone who uses it.
What’s being done?
The project covers a number of repair and protection tasks:
- Repairing damaged timber on the seaward side of the wharf.
- Cleaning the entire wharf structure — both the top deck and the underside.
- Removing all cracked, loose, and spalling concrete.
- Treating exposed and corroded steel reinforcing bars.
- Applying specialist concrete repair mortars to restore the structure.
- Sealing and protecting the repaired concrete with a penetrating sealer to greatly extend its lifespan.
How will the work be carried out?
The contractor, Premier Exteriors, will set up the worksite with safety barriers and temporary fencing before any work begins. To access the underside of the wharf, a non-powered barge will be used — this allows workers to carry out repairs safely from below without disrupting use of the wharf deck above where possible.
Battery-powered breaker tools will be used to remove damaged concrete, which helps keep noise levels as low as practicable. Water blasting will be used to clean surfaces and remove salt build-up before repair products are applied.
All repair materials are specialist marine-grade products by Sika, a trusted manufacturer used widely in this type of work. Once repairs are complete, a full penetrating sealer will be applied to the entire underside of the wharf to provide long-term waterproofing protection.
What to expect?
During the works, you may notice:
- Temporary fencing and safety barriers in parts of the wharf area.
- A barge positioned underneath the wharf structure.
- Some noise from concrete removal and water blasting equipment during working hours.
- Workers in high-visibility gear and life jackets working on and around the wharf.
- Handrails temporarily removed in some sections (with safety barriers in place as replacement).
The team will work hard to keep any disruption to a minimum. Safety of the public is a top priority throughout — all work areas will be clearly marked, and public exclusion zones will be in place where needed.
Looking after the environment
The team is committed to protecting the marine environment throughout the project. Controls will be in place to prevent any debris, waste, or contaminants entering the water. Wash-down water will be carefully managed, and spill response equipment will be kept on site at all times.
When will work start and finish?
Work is scheduled to commence on 6 July and last about 6 weeks. The team will keep the community informed of progress through daily signage on site. Updates will also be shared through Russell Radio and the Russell Information Centre.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while this important maintenance work is completed. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Far North Holdings team.