WHALE enthusiasts will soon have a new place to watch the annual migration following the announcement Fingal Bay would be one of seven places to receive a federally-funded viewing platform.
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The $25,000 platform would be built as part of the Australian government's Whale Trail initiative.
"Fingal Bay will be the first of seven communities around the country to each receive this funding to build a whale viewing platform," the federal Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, said.
"Port Stephens is known for its dolphins and whales and there is a genuine demand for vantage points along the coastline.
"It [Fingal Bay] is already a popular spot in Port Stephens to look out for the passing giants.
"This funding will be well spent as it already has a strong following."
The Whale Trail initiative has been allocated $2 million by the Australian government for the next three years.
The money will go to coastal communities for whale viewing platforms and interpretive signs. The overall aim is to inform and educate people about migratory whales and create awareness about conservation.
The Fingal Bay funding is part of the government's Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan, which will establish a national Whale Trail of land-based watching sites along the migratory route. Viewing platforms will provide people with the best possible view of whales and dolphins as they pass off shore.
