Marina would be a business boost

The majority of the business community support the concept of the Mangles Bay Marina proposal and getting the project started is overdue, according to Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin.

At the time of writing, the proposed marina at Point Peron had hit an impasse, with the WA Planning Commission assessing the project’s viability.

Proponents Cedar Woods and Landcorp want to construct a multimillion-dollar marina in Mangles Bay and have the backing in principle of the City of Rockingham.

The aim is to breathe life into Rockingham’s tourism sector and bring more people to the region.

The WAPC held a series of hearings in May and June, giving the opponents of the proposal an opportunity to air their concerns.

It is expected that the hearings committee will make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning Donna Faragher before the end of 2016, which will play a significant role in dictating the next step in the process.

Although the proposal has sparked contrasting opinions in different groups across Rockingham and the wider region, Mr Solin said that the business community supported the concept.

The RKCC did a survey of its members to gauge commercial thinking behind the potential marina, with the majority responding in favour of its construction.

“The majority of the (RKCC) members surveyed support the concept of a marina,” he said.

“Let’s not waste any more time — let’s just get on with it and let the proponents sort it out with the City of Rockingham — as far as business is concerned, let’s get this thing done.”

Mr Solin said it could breathe new commercial life into Rockingham’s business community and bring investors to the region.

“It would be one of the greatest catalysts for development, employment and activity that Rockingham has ever had,” he said.

“It would be fantastic — it ticks all the boxes.”