EPA approves new 500-boat marina

The environmental watchdog has given its go-ahead for the construction of a new 500 boat capacity marina at Rockingham, saying it was unlikely to impact on the local environment.

The Environmental Protection Authority today released its recommendations for the marina proposal, located adjacent to the intersection of Wanliss Street and Rockingham Beach Road, and submitted by private company Rosewood Grove.

The company will be responsible for the construction and operation of the marina.

The proposal includes the construction of up to 500 boat pens, a 4,500 square metre retail precinct, refuelling and sullage removal facilities and the expansion of the existing Wanliss Street car park from 80 bays to 150.

The proposal is separate to the Cape Peron marina project in Rockingham, which includes boat pens and a tourist precinct. Last week the government gave the project the green-light, subject to environmental approvals.

Today, EPA chairman Paul Vogel concluded the Cockburn Sound marina proposal is unlikely to compromise the EPA's objectives, provided there was satisfactory implementation of recommended conditions.

"This proposal satisfies a long standing need for additional boating requirements and, as it will be located in an area devoid of seagrass, it will not significantly impact upon any marine plants and animals," Dr Vogel said.

'Also, the marina has been designed to allow for a rapid water body flushing rate, reducing the potential for algal blooms and other water quality issues.

'However, during the construction phase there is likely to be some direct, localised temporary impacts on marine water quality requiring a 'zone of effect' to be monitored to ensure conformity with the State Environmental (Cockburn Sound) Policy, 2005.'

'When completed it is predicted that there will be minor impacts on existing natural coastal processes requiring a small amount of sand bypassing on an annual basis.

'Finally, craft over 10 metres in length are recommended to have a sullage holding tank if their owners lease a pen at the proposed marina."

The proposal is up for a two week public appeal period.