A state decision regarding the outcome of the Point Grey marina development could be up to a month away, after a hearing at the State Administrative Tribunal finished last week.
Developers Point Grey Development Company Pty Ltd and Tian An Australia Limited applied to have a Shire of Murray decision reviewed after councillors voted against a stage one application in June, citing environmental concerns.
The Point Grey marina proposal includes construction of a 300-berth marina with tourism and recreational facilities on the western side of Point Grey peninsula as well as the construction of a 2.5 kilometre navigation channel across the Peel-Harvey Estuary.
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.
The matter was expected to be heard in a two-day hearing at the Perth State Administrative Tribunal building from October 2-3 however, this was extended to a third day to accommodate a visit to the Point Grey site.
The hearing came to a close on October 4, with the presiding member of the tribunal expected to publish the decision in approximately four weeks.
Peel-Harvey Catchment Council chief executive Jane O'Malley said she hoped the tribunal would back the original council decision.
"PHCC science and waterways program manager Dr Steve Fisher was invited by the Shire of Murray to be a witness at the tribunal," she said.
"Birdlife Australia WA program manager Dr Vicki Stokes was also a witness.
"Plus, there were compelling arguments from the Shire of Murray's lawyer and we hope that their refusal will be upheld."
Read More:
- All three local MPs speak out against Point Grey Marina proposal ahead of upcoming state review
- 'Short-sighted proposal': City of Mandurah stand by Shire of Murray, vote not to maintain proposed Point Grey marina channel
- In the balance: Point Grey developers seek state approval after Shire of Murray rejects proposal
- Shire of Murray councillors vote against stage one of Point Grey marina project
- Shire of Murray environmental concerns halt Point Grey marina development
In the lead-up to the review, local politicians expressed their ongoing opposition to the development, citing environmental, social and economic concerns.
Canning MP Andrew Hastie has previously slammed the project and stated in federal Parliament that the company should not be able to go ahead with the proposal without the local community's consent.
Last week, Mr Hastie started a petition to encourage residents to take action and oppose the development.
Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup said he hoped the outcome of the state tribunal review allowed for further research into the environmental impacts of the development and a possible additional review by Environmental Protection Authority.
Mandurah MP David Templeman, who has a long history of opposing the proposal, said he had called upon Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley to urgently investigate some triggers within the Commonwealth Act that could halt the proposal.
Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke described the proposal as "flawed".
Tian An were approached for comment.
