Supreme Court dismisses challenge to Port Coogee project

14/06/05
The Supreme Court of Western Australia has today delivered a decision that will allow a path forward for the Port Coogee project.
The project aims to rehabilitate the former industrial area in South Coogee and redevelop the site as a marina, mixed-use and residential area.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today welcomed the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal, saying it was a step forward in the planning for the Cockburn Coast.
"After 17 years of negotiation, this decision brings the shape of the development close to finalisation," Ms MacTiernan said.
"While I acknowledge there are those who are unhappy with a marina development, I am confident that the vast majority of Cockburn residents welcome the recreational opportunities a marina will bring.
"Hillarys Marina faced similar opposition in the 1980s and is now visited by approximately 3.5 million people each year."
The court rejected challenges to the project brought by the Coogee Coastal Action Coalition, which questioned the planning approval process and whether the public's common law right to fish and navigate in local tidal waters would be impinged.
"I can now consider the Town Planning Scheme amendment, so that Australand, in conjunction with the State Government, can move forward with completing the remediation and revitalisation of the Port Coogee site," the Minister said.
"Progress on this project will stimulate the clean-up and development of this industrial wasteland along the Cockburn Coast."
Minister's office: 9213 6400