The $220 million Mandurah Ocean Marina gets the green light

7/11/99
Premier Richard Court today gave the green light to the $220 million Mandurah Ocean Marina - the largest project of its kind in the State.

Officially launching the project in Mandurah today, Mr Court said the marina development would provide a significant boost for the city and the Peel region, particularly in one of the State's fastest growing industries - tourism.
'Today's announcement fulfils one of the Government's election commitments to this region and is another step forward in the implementation of the Coalition's vision for the State," the Premier said.
"Local members of State Parliament Roger Nicholls and Arthur Marshall, along with the City of Mandurah, must be acknowledged for their commitment to the project."
The development includes the construction of a world-class marina providing new facilities for amateur and professional boating and fishing enthusiasts, a range of accommodation options, including a resort development and self-contained family chalets, retail and commercial opportunities, a residential component and recreation areas. A large proportion of the development has been set aside as public open space.
Mr Court said the international standard facilities would add to Mandurah's considerable appeal as a place to visit and generate millions of dollars for the local economy.
"Mandurah is already acknowledged as one of the favourite destinations for people heading out of the Perth metropolitan area, with day-trippers representing 60 per cent of Mandurah's tourist trade," he said.
"The new marina with its vibrant mix of tourist, cultural and hospitality attractions and world-class boating facilities, will help convert a substantial proportion of this market into overnight visitors."
An estimated 1.1 million day trips were made to the Peel Region in 1996, with visitors spending about $17.7 million.
Mr Court said the bulk of the funding for the project would come from the private sector.
He said the Government's investment, of around $50 million, mainly comprised funding for infrastructure such as the construction of the harbour and surrounding land development, plus the value of the land included in the development.
"It's envisaged the sale of the residential lots on site will return more than half of the Government's investment,"
the Premier said.
To be developed by LandCorp in conjunction with the Peel Development Commission and the City of Mandurah, the Mandurah Ocean Marina has been identified as an integral part of plans for the economic growth of the region.
"As visitor numbers grow so too will the opportunities for new enterprises and investment, from marine chandlery outlets and boat charter operations, to cafes and conference facilities," Mr Court said.
Short stay holiday apartments, family chalets and a new waterfront resort will offer a range of accommodation options, while waterfront home sites will open up new residential options.
The marina design incorporates two precincts linked by a pedestrian footbridge.
Cafes, restaurants, stylish inner-city residential developments and a safe swimming beach will draw people to the southern precinct, while boating and fishing facilities will be the main focus of the northern part of the development.
New facilities will bring immediate benefits for the city's boat charter firms, houseboat operators and fishermen. The region's commercial fishing operations are centred on Mandurah, netting $7.3 million for the 1997-98 season.
The marina will also be home to the Mandurah Emergency Sea Rescue Group, Commercial Fishermen's Association and an integrated site for the Mandurah Offshore Fishing Club and the Mandurah Yacht Club.
"The local community has been very involved in the development of plans for the Mandurah Ocean Marina and their views are reflected in the variety of facilities that have been included," Mr Court said.
"Bringing both immediate and long-term benefits, the new marina is set to become an important business and recreational focus for the Peel Region."
Construction work on site has already seen the completion of a new sea wall and the provision of a new nesting site for displaced fairy terns.
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 9222 9475