Point Grey Marina plan tossed out in wake of amendment

Tian An Australia wanted to construct a 300-berth marina on the western side of the Point Grey peninsula with plans to include residential properties and tourism facilities.

The project was also to include the dredging of a 2.5 kilometre navigation channel across the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

There has been almost unilateral disdain for the proposal in the Mandurah and Murray communities, with both local councils, politicians and environmental organisations calling for a stop to the proposal.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti approved the amendment on Thursday following a recent recommendation by the Western Australian Planning Commission.

The amendment removes potential for the development of a marina at Point Grey, responding to concerns about the suitability of the site due to potential long-term environmental impacts, and uncertainty about ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Ms Saffioti said she was pleased to end the "extended period of planning uncertainty".

"The decision ensures any development is suited to the environment and is viable for the long term."

Urban development for Point Grey was first proposed in 1988, prior to the listing of the wetlands as Ramsar 482. At that time the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) recommended that the development should not proceed due mostly to the ecological value and fragility of the estuary ecosystem. However, in 2011, development of 275 ha of the site was approved for about 3000 residential lots, including the construction of a 330-berth on-shore marina, a 2.5 km long navigation channel connecting the marina to the estuary and the Dawesville Channel.

Peel-Harvey Catchment Council is one of the organisations that has been working for 10 years to oppose to the plan.

Chair Caroline Knight said the Minister's decision could not be appealed - "so we can finally rest easy that this threat has been put to bed".

Council chief executive Jane O'Malley thanked the Minister and the community who had "long recognised the risk that this channel placed on our estuary, and worked their butts off to protect it".

"Today's announcement is fabulous and we are going to pause and remind ourselves that all the effort has been worthwhile, community faith has been restored, and we are darned well going to enjoy a drink to celebrate", said Ms O'Malley

"I cannot remember a prouder moment than when more than 100 people gathered at the Shire of Murray to support their proposal to initiate the Amendment. The presentations by community, business and industry were amazing, from commercial and recreational fisher folk concerned about their livelihoods, to bird watchers, recreational users, residents and ratepayers. An empowered community is a wonderful thing to witness."

Federal Canning MP Andrew Hastie thanked the 2400 locals who signed his petition to stop the dredge.

Murray-Wellington MP Robyn Clarke said the amendment was a huge win for the local community.

"...it will put a stop to this flawed project once and for all," Ms Clarke said.

"Well done to all our community members who stood up for our beautiful part of WA. We have been fighting against this for years..."

Previously:

Mandurah MP David Templeman said he was "so pleased" to see the end of this project.

"Thank you to everyone who stood up against this proposal - we did it!"

Dawesville MP Lisa Munday said it "didn't make sense to tarnish" the estuary with a "badly thought-out marina".

"We have some of the most beautiful waterways in the Peel region, teeming with birds, marine life and sea grasses," Ms Munday said.

Tian An Australia's project website is no longer active.

The developer has been contacted for comment.