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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 01 October, 2009 CRONULLA MARINA APPROVED AFTER THOROUGH ASSESSMENT Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced approval of a $1.5 million redevelopment of the Cronulla Marina after a thorough and rigorous assessment. Ms Keneally said the proposal had been approved after being assessed by an independent maritime engineer and reviewed by the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC). “The thorough and rigorous assessment process has ensured the best possible outcomes were achieved for the community and the project,” Ms Keneally said. “As a result of both community and Government agency consultation, the proposal was modified during the assessment process to address design issues that were raised during the submissions period. “In addition to the usual assessment process an independent maritime engineer reviewed the proposal and considered key issues such as the marina design, navigation, safety and public access. “Following a suggestion from the Member for Cronulla, Malcolm Kerr, to involve the Planning Assessment Commission, I referred the matter to the PAC. “This added an additional level scrutiny to the rigorous and thorough assessment process. “The PAC concluded that the assessment process had addressed all relevant matters and that approving the redevelopment with conditions was appropriate.” Ms Keneally said the marina redevelopment will retain and build on the existing maritime element in the landscape. “The existing 28-berth facility will, over a six month period, be redeveloped to accommodate 79 vessels and the 42 existing swing moorings will be removed from Gunnamatta Bay,” Ms Keneally said. “The removal of the swing moorings will open up a sizeable area within the bay for recreational and commercial purposes. “The redevelopment will also upgrade the marina slipway to accommodate boats of up to 20 metres as well as install a water recycling system and build catch drains to minimise water contamination. “Overall the redevelopment will deliver a modern marina for the boating community catering for the growing demand for larger berths within the region.” Ms Keneally said in approving the redevelopment there were several conditions imposed on the project, which included: A limit on the size of vessel that could be berthed adjacent to the Cronulla/Bundeena Public Ferry Wharf to ensure an appropriate separation distance between the marina and ferry wharf; A requirement that Cronulla Marina ensure the marina is designed in accordance with Australian Standards during the detailed design phase for the project; and Specified required heights for catch drains on the slipways to ensure the slipways are operated in accordance with best practice and to minimise discharges of potentially contaminated waters to Gunnamatta Bay. Ms Keneally said that a 30 metre-wide navigational channel to the marina was required as part of conditions which should be deep enough to allow navigation in low tides meaning access to the boat ramp would be possible at all times. Other conditions imposed on the project will require that: Lighting of the marina is unobtrusive and consistent with relevant Australian Standards; The slipway roof structure is constructed of a non-reflective material; Hours of construction and operation of the marina are restricted and nearby residents notified of noise issues before construction begins; A containment boom is installed prior to construction commencing; Bilge pumpout water is discharged to sewers in accordance with Sydney Water requirements; All chemicals, fuels and oils are stored in accordance with Australian Standards and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water guidelines; and Barges do not anchor in seagrass beds.   MEDIA CONTACTS: Department of Planning Media Unit Phone (02) 9228 6295 Facsimile (02) 9228 6564 23-33 Bridge Street SYDNEY NSW 2000

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