The Mangles Bay Marina in Rockingham has been recommended for stringent conditional approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The proposal by Cranford Pty Ltd and the WA Land Authority to develop the marina-based tourism precinct at the southern end of Cockburn Sound includes pens for up to 500 boats, moorings and the development of surrounding land for public open spaces, tourism, commercial and residential uses.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the Public Environmental Review (PER) assessment of the proposal was rigorous and studied the potential impacts to marine environmental quality, Lake Richmond, fauna and flora.
“The EPA has thoroughly examined the Mangles Bay Marina proposal at the highest level of assessment and recommended approval subject to a suite of strict conditions to protect the area’s environmental values,” Dr Vogel said.
“The EPA’s comprehensive assessment also resulted in the proponent improving their proposal, including re-designing the marina entrance by shortening one canal arm to reduce the potential for environmental impacts, as well as reducing the depth of the navigation channel to reduce the amount of seagrass loss.”
Dr Vogel said 11 strict conditions had been recommended, including the preparation of a Marine Environmental Quality Management Plan, which includes procedures for monitoring and evaluating the quality of the water and sediment in marine waters.
Other conditions ensure the construction limits serious damage to seagrass communities and no marine-related construction activities will be permitted during peak dolphin calving periods.
Dedicated marine fauna observers will also ensure construction does not commence until it has been verified that no marine mammals or penguins are within 300 metres of the area.
A monitoring and management plan will also be required to protect threatened ecological communities on land.
“The EPA has recommended the proponent replant twice the area of seagrass lost by the proposal within six years of construction with 75 per cent cover to be achieved 10 years after the commencement of construction,” Dr Vogel said.
“The proponent will also be required to rehabilitate 20 hectares of native vegetation within the Rockingham Lakes Regional Park.”
Other conditions recommended include implementing nutrient reduction strategies coordinated by the Cockburn Sound Management Council to improve the environmental quality of Mangles Bay and acquiring and managing land for conservation purposes within the Swan Coastal Plain region.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open to a two-week public appeal period closing May 13, 2013.
The Commonwealth Government’s approval is also required for the proposal to proceed.
EPA Report 1471 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
Media Contact: Nadia Miraudo 0400 866 450
