Albany waterfront development project moving ahead

6/01/05
The State Government will complete a detailed business case on the world-class waterfront development concept at Albany Harbour by the end of March.
The concept was unveiled by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan last September.
Ms MacTiernan said the State Government agency LandCorp was moving quickly to complete technical and engineering reviews, design refinements and an implementation strategy so the full business case would be ready early March.
"The new concept plan was advertised for public comment from October 14 to November 4 and received a very positive response," she said.
"The plan was subsequently approved by the City of Albany and work to develop the business case proceeded immediately.
"A detailed business case and implementation strategy is now being prepared by LandCorp, which is working with the Great Southern Development Commission, the City of Albany and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure."
Ms MacTiernan said once the business case was completed, the way would then be clear to secure all statutory planning and environmental approvals, allowing the project to proceed.
"Preparation of a detailed business case, determining operational feasibility and securing statutory approvals are fundamental requirements of any development plan," she said.
"As none of these had commenced under any earlier concepts, almost no time has been lost in introducing a revised concept.
"LandCorp brings considerable experience from other regional waterfront projects such as Mandurah Ocean Marina - judged Australia's best marina in 2004 - Exmouth Marina Village and Marlston Waterfront Bunbury."
Albany MLA Peter Watson said recent site work included a geotechnical study of the existing land, together with an underwater geophysical survey of the underlying seabed.
"To date, no fatal flaws of a technical nature have been identified that would prevent the project from proceeding," Mr Watson said.
"Also, design options and costings are being finalised for a pedestrian bridge linking Stirling Terrace with Anzac Park and the waterfront project."
Ms MacTiernan said the Albany Waterfront would be a world-class development that would demonstrate a working port and a foreshore development providing recreational, tourism, fishing and community facilities were not mutually exclusive.
Minister's office: 9213 6400