Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has given the proponents of the controversial Point Grey Marina proposal an extension on their project, much to the disappointment of local environmentalists.
Developer Tian An Australia plans to construct a 300-berth onshore marina on the western side of the Point Grey peninsula, which is also planned to include retail, recreation and tourism facilities.
The project would require the construction of a 2.5 kilometre navigation channel across the Harvey Estuary to make the marina a reality.
While the project has the support of the Shire of Murray, the region’s MPs and fishing community have stood against the idea.
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Mr Dawson told the Mandurah Mail an extension on the project’s proposed start date had been granted.
“The Point Grey Marina proponent requested an extension to the time limit for substantial commencement and the Environmental Protection Authority reported on the extension in April 2017,” he said.
“Since that time, new information was presented regarding the state of the Peel-Harvey Estuary.
“I requested the EPA undertake a further inquiry and advise whether or not an extension to the time limit would be appropriate in light of new information.
“Following this inquiry, the EPA considers that existing implementation conditions will continue to address the relevant environmental factors of the proposal by ensuring that operation of the proposal minimises impacts to marine fauna.
“I have therefore amended Condition 3 of Ministerial Statement 906 to extend the time limit for the proposal implementation to 28 June 2019 to align with Commonwealth approvals.”
Peel-Harvey Catchment Council acting chair Jan Star said the news was “the wrong decision.”
“The Peel-Harvey Catchment Council are bitterly disappointed at the decision”, she said.
“We do not understand the justification behind the State’s decision to extend the timeframe and we do not agree with the EPA recommendations that supported the decision.
“This is the wrong decision and our estuary and our community will suffer because of it.
“It is indefensible that, at the same time that the State has identified the Peel-Harvey Estuary as an “at-risk” estuary, the Minister would approve the extension of time for such a high-risk development.
“The state had an opportunity to listen to science and stop this, but has failed to do so.”
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Gareth McKnight
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
