The construction of a land-based marina on the western side of the Point Grey peninsula and a 2.5 km channel across the Harvey Estuary has been recommended for approval by the Environmental Protection Authority subject to strict conditions.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said the recommended conditions ensured the EPA’s environmental objectives could be met.
These included measures to protect vegetation, terrestrial flora and fauna, estuary water and sediment quality as well as placing limitations on the timing of dredging the navigation channel to the winter and spring months to avoid breeding times of key species.
Environmental offsets would also be necessary to mitigate the impacts to terrestrial flora and vegetation.
“About seven hectares of native remnant vegetation for the onshore marina and car park area will be lost so the environmental offsets will ensure there is an increase in the amount and diversity of vegetation within the conservation estate,” Dr Vogel said.
The proponent will also need to prepare a monitoring plan to ensure that construction and operation of the proposal does not cause a decline in the environmental quality of the Peel-Harvey Estuary, a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention.
The marina plans to accommodate up to 300 boat pens through the installation of finger jetties and floating pontoons.
About 5.1 ha of foreshore will accommodate 200 parking bays and four boat ramps.
Groynes will be constructed on either side of the entry channel to protect the estuary from erosion and sedimentation as well as provide a safe passage for boats entering and departing the marina.
Dr Vogel said the EPA’s report to the Government would now be subject to a two-week public appeal period closing December 19, 2011.
EPA Report 1420 is available at www.epa.wa.gov.au
EPA Media contact: Nadia Miraudo, 6467 5263, 0400 866 450
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