An application for work to commence on the proposed Point Grey marina will be reviewed by a state tribunal in October after Shire of Murray councillors voted against the development due to environmental concerns.
Developers Point Grey Development Company Pty Ltd and Tian An Australia Limited are behind the project, which proposes to build a 300-berth marina with tourism and recreational facilities on the western side of the Point Grey peninsula.
The project would require the construction of a 2.5 kilometre navigation channel across the Harvey Estuary.
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The contentious development has sparked community concerns due to its dredging component, with fears that maintenance costs will fall on ratepayers and the health of the estuary would be affected.
Both the state and federal government have no environmental concerns with the project.
On April 29, Shire of Murray councillors asked for further financial and environmental documentation before voting on stage one.
On May 22, 2019, developers Point Grey Development Company Pty Ltd and Tian An Australia Limited applied for the council decision to be reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
The matter will be heard on October 2 in the Perth SAT building.
On June 27, Shire of Murray councillors voted against the stage one development application.
At the most recent council meeting on Thursday, August 22, Shire of Murray councillors voted in favour of a motion to not accept responsibility for the periodic dredging of the Peel-Harvey estuary including associated environmental and water monitoring costs.
Councillors also moved a motion for chief executive Dean Unsworth to advise the state government of their position and for him to continue lobbying on behalf of the council decision.
Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) chairman Caroline Knight said the navigation channel was the "single-biggest threat" to the health of the Peel-Harvey estuary.
"PHCC opposes the channel because we believe the risks are too high and cannot be mitigated," she said.
"PHCC is aware of previous, similar projects that have resulted in negative environmental consequences and high financial costs, which have fallen on local community."
Point Grey Development Company Pty Ltd and Tian An Australia Limited declined to comment on the matter.
For further information about Point Grey Marina, visit tianan.com.au/point-grey.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
