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A planning application has been lodged with the WA Planning Commisson and the Department of Transport to gain approval to begin marina construction.
The proponents of the Port Rockingham project have welcomed the approval already given by former State Environment Minister Donna Faragher.
Spokesman Paul Ogilvie said the environmental approvals process had been exhaustive and would guarantee Port Rockingham was developed to world’s best practice.
“This is an exciting and unique marina and jetty concept that will transform the Rockingham foreshore near Wanliss Street,” said Mr Ogilvie, a long-term Rockingham identity and former City Councillor.
“Our companies have had a long standing commitment to this City and I’m thrilled that we have been able to put forward a proposal that will really enhance the level of amenity along our magnificent foreshore.”
The marina will offer a tasteful mix of quality retail outlets complemented by a vibrant facility catering for the increasing needs of the recreational boating community south of Perth.
“The project will offer much needed facilities for Rockingham’s boat owners as the closest existing marinas are Mandurah Ocean Marina, 24km to the south, and the Fremantle Yacht Club and Challenger Harbour, 20km to the north,” said Mr Ogilvie.
“We can now proceed to formal building applications and we’re hoping to be able to commence construction of the jetty and breakwater in April 2011.”
Among the features will be:
- Sheltered accommodation for approximately 475 public boat pens
- Retail precinct incorporating restaurants and shops
- A breakwater open to the public for fishing activities
- Safe refuelling, sullage and water supply facilities for commercial and private boats
- “Super yacht” berths
- Expansion of the Wanliss Street car park
- Upgrading of parking and traffic calming along Rockingham Beach Road between Wanliss and Victoria Streets
Principles of the Port Rockingham environmental approach:
- Open pier platform and rock breakwater will maintain water quality, aid water flushing and allow movement of fish and other aquatic species
- Uninterrupted access under the pier for beach users
- Curved limestone breakwater will follow the existing sand platform
- Breakwater will protect marina water body from north westerly storms and the passage of winter cold fronts
- Minimal contact with the shore will minimise sand accumulation
- No hardstand or dry dock facilities thus minimising the onshore footprint
- Dewatering will not be required during construction except while linking the marina to the existing City of Rockingham sewer system
Transport
The marina is at the centre of the Waterfront Village precinct of Rockingham and within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, shops and public transport. It will link the existing commercial complex adjacent to The Cruising Yacht Club via the waterfront promenade between Bell Park and the ocean and make good use of existing pedestrian, cycle and road network infrastructure.
Getting to and from the marina will be easy by public transport or by private vehicle. The southern railway station at Rockingham is linked to the beach area by a Transperth shuttle service. Many locals who already walk or ride to the cafe strip will safely extend their outings to the Marina.
Economic Benefits
Port Rockingham Marina is a project that is funded by the private sector. However there will be substantial economic benefits to Rockingham and to Western Australia:
- The West Australian State Government will receive revenue from the seabed lease
- The City of Rockingham will receive rates from commercial and retail outlets in the development
- Construction jobs will be created over the two year construction period
- Permanent jobs will be created in the tourism and retail sector by the restaurants and retail outlets, as well as the management of the Marina
The Community
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