Scrap marina project, urges Stonehouse

Rockingham-based MP Aaron Stonehouse has clarified his stance on the Mangles Bay Marina proposal, urging Planning Minister Rita Saffioti to scrap the project.

The project has divided the community, with proponents LandCorp and Cedar Woods hoping to build a marina with room for up to 500 boats, a tourist hub with a commercial presence and accommodation options in Rockingham.

The WA Planning Commission presented a recommendation on the potential rezoning of the required land to Ms Saffioti in October.

The details of the recommendation have remained confidential, but Ms Saffioti told the Telegraph last week the project was “under live consideration”.

Opponents of the project have spruiked the potential for a coastal park at the site.

South Metropolitan MLC Mr Stonehouse, who is from the Rockingham region, said he had been taken aback by the amount of opposition to the proposal since being elected to the Upper House last year.

“I will oppose the proposed redevelopment of Point Peron as the Mangles Bay Marina and support the effort to establish Cape Peron Coastal Park,” he said.

“My principal objection is that it seeks to overturn a clear promise made by the State and Federal Governments in the 1960s that the land would be free and open to those seeking to engage in outdoor recreation.

“My other concern is the ratepayers in Rockingham will be left to pick up the bill for waterways management, making it a constant drag on the public purse, whereas a coastal park would be a prudent use of public funds.

“Imagine how different it would be if, with a more modest investment in trails, visitor facilities and the restoration of coastal batteries, we create a world-class coastal park. We could promote Point Person as the King’s Park of the south.

“I am not opposed to a marina in Rockingham. Indeed, I would welcome one, but this is the wrong way to go about it.

“Working against the wishes of the community has never resulted in any positive outcome.”