Shire of Murray councillors vote against stage one of Point Grey marina project

Developers Tian An Australia want to construct and operate an onshore marina and associated boating infrastructure on the western side of Point Grey peninsula.

The proposal includes the construction of a 2.5km navigation channel across the Harvey Estuary from the Point Grey Marina to the Dawesville Channel.

The development application debated at Thursday's meeting was to commence preliminary earthworks at Lot 672 Carrabungup Road.

While the Shire of Murray's officer recommendation was to approve the item, councillors voted to reject the application, 6-2.

The evening started with representatives from Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and Birdlife Australia making deputations to state why councillors should reject the proposal.

When it came to the item, councillors Brenda Beacham and Steve Lee spoke in favour of adopting the officer's recommendation, stating that it was only the initial planning that would be accepted, not the project in its entirety.

However, Shire president David Bolt spoke against the proposal, stating that the lack of financial documentation was a concern, and that the proposal should be viewed in its entirety, not in isolation.

The decision sends Tian An back to the drawing board, much to the delight of about 20 residents that attended on Thursday.

For more information, fallout and reaction, read next week's Mandurah Mail.