Public views sought on plans for Mandurah marina and tourism

3/10/96

Plans for a major new marina and tourism development in Mandurah have been released and the public's views are now being sought.

Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan said the concept plan for the Mandurah Ocean Marina centred on nearly 40ha of State Government and Mandurah City Council controlled land at Dolphin Pool, north-west of the town centre.

It included marine facilities for up to 400 vessels, improved facilities for professional and recreational fishermen. public open space and foreshore reserves, boardwalks, restaurants, shops, short and long-term stay tourist accommodation, housing and future development of a resort-style hotel.

"The aim is to establish an innovative, attractive and multi-purpose facility which will serve the needs of Mandurah's growing population as well as the many recreational visitors and tourists which the area attracts," Mr Cowan said.

"It is important that the community is fully involved in planning for the marina development and that they have a say in how this initial concept plan is developed and progressed."

The public will have 60 days to comment on the concept plan, which will be on display at Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre; Mandurah City Council; Mandurah Library; Mandurah Offshore Fishing Club and Halls Head Shopping Centre.

Public comments received will be used to form the basis of a revised concept plan to go before the State Government for consideration later this year.

Mr Cowan said the marina proposed in the concept plan developed by the Mandurah Ocean Marina Taskforce included:

·       pens and moorings for up to 400 vessels;

·       modern marine facilities to cater for commercial and recreational fishermen;

·       a commercial fishing wharf with marine maintenance facilities including a tammy lift and slipway; and -

·       sullage and fuel facilities and service jetty as well as a ships' chandlery.

Tourism, residential and commercial aspects of the development will include:

·       public open space and foreshore reserves with boardwalks and paths to encourage access to the sheltered beaches of the lagoon;

·       full public access to all foreshore areas including Stingray Point and the retention of the old Moreton Bay fig tree at the Point;

·       a site set back from the north-facing beach for a resort-style hotel;

·       a second low-key resort style complex;

·       a footbridge over Dolphin Pool connecting the southern and northern portions of the site;

·       sites for family restaurants, shops and cafes;

·       accommodation for up to 360 units for mixed residential and tourism use; and -

·       moving the Channel entrance 80m north to provide extra protection from prevailing winds.

The site would have promenade links to the new Mandurah Cultural Centre, town centre and ocean beach.

Development of the marina concept plan was co-ordinated by the Mandurah Ocean Marina Taskforce which was formed by the State Government late last year to progress plans for a marina at the Dolphin Pool site.

One of the main features of the concept plan is the relocation of the Mandurah Offshore Fishing Club to a combined site with the Mandurah Yacht Club. It is proposed that this site will have improved marine facilities including moorings for up to 350 boats and short-stay chalet accommodation.

Peel Development Commission Chairman and Taskforce spokesman Owen Tuckey said the proposed plan presented an exciting opportunity for Mandurah to develop quality public facilities for the people of the region.

"It has long been recognised that marine facilities are needed to cater for the huge number of local and visiting boat owners," Mr Tuckey said.

"Development of the marina will also boost local tourism and create much needed employment opportunities. With the ability to generate more than 300 jobs, it will be a huge boost to local employment."

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 8788