The Berth Of An Idea

Illawarra Mercury

Friday February 9, 2007

By the Mercury's Business Editor GREG ELLIS

IT was interesting to note NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly's announcement about Belmore Basin this week, given previous stories I have written on Macquarie Bank's interest in investing in a marina at Wollongong Harbour.

In the recent past there has also been some speculation about doubling the size of the berthing area, by moving the northern breakwater to the other side of the Continental Pool.

Just over a year ago, I did a quick poll of people in the Belmore Basin area and none were adverse to change as long as it was tasteful and didn't involve high-rise development.

Illawarra Tourism and Tourism Wollongong chairman Jim Eddy has been one of the advocates for an increase in sensible tourism-related development along Wollongong's foreshore.

Ideas he raised last October included a car park under Lang Park.

Jim would also like to see a marina with more berths for visiting yachts and tourist-related shops and activities.

Let's hope this week's announcement is a catalyst for more community debate on the subject.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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