Point Peron marina to go ahead
A 500-pen marina at Point Peron peninsula has been cleared to go ahead after receiving the Federal Government tick, despite opposition from green groups.
A spokesman confirmed the Federal Government had approved the Mangles Bay development, which includes a tourist precinct and short term accommodation, with 14 conditions that include limits on the amount of vegetation that can be cleared.
The development has already been approved by the EPA and WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob.
Those in favour of the development argue it will bring important economic, social and environmental benefits to Rockingham.
Those who oppose it argue it could be both environmentally and economically damaging to the region.
Green groups today said they would continue to oppose the development.
WA Greens senator Scott Ludlam said the decision was "disappointing but not unexpected".
He said the raft of conditions attached to the approval may "look good on paper" but were likely to have little impact.
"When the bulldozers turn up there’s not going to be someone from the Department standing around taking notes and keeping an eye on things," he said.
"When push comes to shove this stuff looks great on paper but the damage will still be done."
Hands Off Point Peron group spokeswoman Dawn Jecks said many in the community "just can’t believe it".
The Mangles Bay Marina will be located on a 66ha site at Point Peron peninsula, next to the Garden Island Causeway. A number of development proposals for Mangles Bay have been considered since the 1970s.
The project is a partnership between LandCorp and Cedar Woods.
LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra said the approval marked the end of a "rigorous environmental assessment process".
"The environmental approval along with the 14 stringent conditions set by the Federal Department of the Environment represents a landmark step for the proposal and concludes the environmental assessment process," he said.
"This approval enables the proposal to progress to the planning phase for this development, which will drive tourism and provide strong social and economic benefits for Rockingham and the wider region."
The project will include rehabilitation of Cape Peron, replanting seagrass in Cockburn Sound and setting aside land for conservation.
