Super marina sunk
The controversial $10m plan to build a mega-marina between Rose Bay and Point Piper in Sydney has been scuttled by people power and the Land and Environment Court.
'The planned marina would span between Rose Bay and Point Piper.'
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The court found the marina would have created 'a wall of boats' that would block public access to and views of the harbour.
The Land and Environment Court threw out the developer's appeal against Woollahra Council's rejection after a long-running grassroots campaign from residents. Justice Peter Biscoe said the visual impact of the marina was enough to dismiss the appeal.
'The proposal will create at the Rose Bay Marina three berthing arms and the impression of a wall of boats,' he said. 'For a significant distance along the Esplanade and New South Head Rd the boats will obscure prime views extending as far as Manly. In my opinion, it will have a very adverse visual impact.'
The plan involved extending the existing marina facilities to provide berths for vessels up to 37m long. Up to 75 of the 124 boats could be greater than 15m in length.
James Packer's cruiser, Carpe Diem had topped a list of boats waiting for docking space at Addenbrooke's proposed marina. Under the plan, the number of berths at Rose Bay Marina would have increased from 29 to 124. At Point Piper Marina, berth numbers would have grown from 23 to 35.
Existing swing moorings would have been removed and a new navigational channel created.
Developer Denis O'Neil, whose company Addenbrooke is behind the proposal, said the company accepted the decision but would submit revised plans to the Council.
The plans will be redone to comply with the visual impact concerns raised by the court and the Council.
O'Neil spent at least $2 million on plans to combine the Rose Bay and Point Piper marinas into one mega development.
The company stands by its plan for redevelopment of the marinas and states it would be 'a major win for the local people and businesses', as there would be greater public access to the harbour, an increase in water space and a better environmental outcome.
Woollahra Greens councillor, Tanya Excell, said the judgement was a great victory for Sydneysiders.
'Had it been approved, the impact would have been disastrous, not only for the residents of Woollahra but for the thousands of visitors who use and pass by Rose Bay daily,' she said.
Addenbrooke said it would submit a revised development application to Woollahra Council with changes designed to mitigate the visual impact concerns.
by Jeni Bone 
Paynesville, VIC
