City of Mandurah councillors have thrown their support behind the Shire of Murray, approving a motion to advocate alongside their local government neighbour in relation to the proposed Point Grey Marina navigational channel.
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 Peel-Harvey Estuary from the Point Grey Marina to the Dawesville Channel.
Shire of Murray councillors voted against a stage one development application at a meeting on June 28 with their decision now set to be reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal on October 2.
Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams raised a notice of motion at the City of Mandurah council meeting on August 27 to advise relevant ministers that the City of Mandurah would not maintain the proposed navigational channel.
Mr Williams asked for councillors' endorsement of the motion, which would confirm its position as resolved in 2011.
He also asked that council endorse for the City of Mandurah to advocate alongside the Shire of Murray in its engagement of state and federal ministers and members of parliament in relation to the proposed channel.
The Point Grey proposal, including the marina, is located within the Shire of Murray and is therefore outside of City of Mandurah jurisdiction.
However, Mr Williams told councillors at Tuesday's meeting the navigational channel would have implications for Mandurah.
"Whilst it may feel like this item is done and dusted, it is very important that the community is aware of the potential implications this proposal would create," he said.
"I believe it is important that council reaffirm its previous position, and work with the Shire of Murray on an advocacy strategy to communicate this position."
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It was met with unanimous support from councillors, including Cr Fred Reibeling, who seconded the motion.
Cr Reibeling labelled the project "a significant social and environmental issue" and applauded Mr Williams for his "timely and accurate notice of motion".
"This is not an attack on the developers but the channel itself will do a significant amount of damage to our estuary," he said.
"It would be disappointing if this project, in relation to the dredging, goes ahead and in years to come, I hope we don't sit back and wonder what happened because we've been warned."
Deputy Mayor Caroline Knight and Cr Shane Jones also threw their support behind the summit.
"Some things are worth dying in a ditch for and this is one of them," Cr Jones said.
In an interview with the Mandurah Mail, Mr Williams said the City of Mandurah would not budge on their position and would continue to support the Shire of Murray.
"As a council, we want to make it absolutely clear to all parties that, should this short-sighted proposal get the go-ahead from government, we will play no part in the future dredging or maintenance of the channel on the Mandurah side of the estuary," he said.
"The Peel-Harvey Estuary is the absolute lifeblood of this region and, with the environmental risks of this proposed channel well established, we need to stand firmly against it as a region.
"I encourage all Mandurah residents to join our neighbours in the Shire of Murray to ensure our voice is heard loudly and clearly."
Mr Williams said a more environmentally-friendly alternative should be considered at the proposed site.
"Personally, I think it's time for a new vision for Point Grey - one that makes the most of this unique site," he said.
"Imagine the world-class eco-tourism opportunities we could attract to this site.
"It has the potential to become a jewel in the crown for eco-tourism across Western Australia with the right proposal."
For further information about the Point Grey Marina project, visit the Tian An website.
