Secret Report Lists Environmental Obstacles To Council's Plans

Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday February 27, 2007

Linton Besser

ROCKDALE City Council plans to forge ahead with an $80 million marina at Brighton-le-Sands despite environmental obstacles and questions about its viability.

A secret report commissioned by the council says that the proposal involves large-scale dredging of Botany Bay, where wind and waves would require a breakwater so big it would block views across the water.

The report lists five public recreation groups whose boating events would be affected, and says that Lady Robinsons Beach would, in sections, erode into the bay.

The 300-berth marina and pier, which could include a 50-metre-high neon-lit "crystal" and an underwater restaurant, is still rated by the council as its No. 1 priority.

Some councillors believe more than $1 million has been spent on the project so far, but the council's general manager, Chris Watson, says the figure is closer to half that.

The ratepayers funded the delivery late last year of 22,000 glossy brochures and DVDs that make no mention of the report's concerns.

The Patterson Britton & Partners engineering report, previously designated commercial in confidence, is only now being shared "on a restricted basis" with councillors outside an inner circle. It reveals the council was reluctant to shift the marina to a less problematic location north of the main shopping area at Bay Street.

The report urges the council to "further review" the marina's distinctive glass tower, and recommends against an underwater restaurant without "significant protection". The environmental constraints have some asking whether the project remains feasible.

"There have been proposals in the past for a marina that have not gone ahead," Cr Lesa de Leau said.

"They were not viable because of the wave and wind in Botany Bay. People are concerned that ratepayers' money has gone towards something that is not viable."

Mr Watson said the marina remained "eminently achievable" and a report with costings of the council's work so far would go to the council next month.

He said he was preparing formal requests for the consent of the landholders affected - the Lands Department and the Maritime Authority - before "testing the market" with a call for expressions of interest.

© 2007 Sydney Morning Herald

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