Cr Herbert said he hoped the government would fund the project after $700,000 was spent, courtesy of a state government cash injection, to get it shovel ready.

Studies have shown that the state-owned breakwater was "probably a large storm away from serious damage", he said.

"The studies that came out on the breakwater are pretty damning," Cr Herbert said.

"It's in major need of major refurbishment.

"I'm talking about all the bluestone battering at the back to protect it because the report indicated that we're probably a large storm away from serious damage."

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Upgrades to the breakwater include a significant extension of the rock armour wall, rendering and repairs to cracks.

Working drawings on a new porous boat ramp, extra car parking and stormwater/sewerage plans are expected to be completed by January/February next year.

"That will give us the time to get it in for the next state budget," Cr Herbert said.

"That's definitely one of my big focuses for next year."

Cr Herbert said the plans for the breakwater precinct struck a balance with some people opposed to the enclosed harbour while others were in favour of it.

He said if the porous boat ramp was a success there may not be any need for a partially enclosed harbour, or spur, although those plans would be completed as part of the working drawings in case they were needed.

"The $700,000 allows us to do all the schematic work, and I know that sounds a ridiculous amount of money. It blew me away to think we would need that," Cr Herbert said.

He said the porous boat ramp would be done first, an option that probably had the least amount of impact of all the possible design options, before they decided if a partially enclosed harbour was needed.

"Let's do this first and see if it works," he said.

However, he said the main priority was to stabilise the breakwater - a project that could cost anywhere between $13 million and $20 million.

"That's the most important asset down there and it's the one we need to focus on," he said.

"It's our point of difference. You go to the other regional cities and we are the envy being on the coast."

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