Marina land buy order

Mangles Bay Marina developers must buy extra Point Peron land for conservation purposes and public access, according to Environment Minister Albert Jacob.

On Friday, Mr Jacob said the Appeals Convenor had carefully considered 15 objections to the project, including its impact on marine flora and fauna, coastal processes and climate change, recommending that five objections be a upheld and existing EPA conditions strengthened.

In the latest development on the marina approval process, Mr Jacob said developer Cedar Woods would be required to buy 56ha of land in the vicinity for conservation and recreational use purposes.

“After carefully considering the matters raised in the appeals, along with the advice of EPA and the Appeals Convenor, I have determined that some of the conditions recommended by EPA should be strengthened,” Mr Jacob said.

“I am confident that these changes to the already stringent conditions will improve the environmental outcomes of the proposal, if it is implemented.”

Preserve Point Peron chairman Bob Goodale, who cofounded the group with friend Esther Grogan nine years ago, said the proposal was fatally flawed and any final decision would be motivated by politics and money, rather than what was best for the environment.

Mr Goodale said group members were downhearted, but would continue to fight.

“Point Peron is such a wonderful place. I just think people don’t care about Rockingham and don’t see the beauty,” he said.

Hands Off Point Peron founder Dawn Jecks said there were still a number of issues that had to be addressed and questioned whether tourist facilities would ever eventuate.

A planned protest from individual objectors was called off at the weekend.

Cedar Woods State manager Stuart Duplock welcomed the appeals decision after a “thorough and rigorous” appeal assessment process.

He said it was a positive step towards the completion of the environmental approval process, which would enable planning approval to then be progressed.

Mayor Barry Sammels said the City supported the concept of a marina development at Mangles Bay, subject to environmental and planning approvals.

Cr Sammels said the City always welcomed responsible private investment in development and infrastructure, which would provide economic stimulus.