Lands Minister Ben Wyatt today notified the proponents of a Wave Park in Alfred Cove that he will be rejecting a proposal by the City of Melville to utilise a portion of Crown land for the project.
Despite the parcel of Crown land being only a very small part of the overall land required for the development, the Minister has previously been made aware by the developers that it was necessary for the project to proceed.
While noting the very positive vision for the project, Mr Wyatt noted that it simply was not appropriate to hand over a portion of riverfront land which is owned by the community and remains in constant use by the community.
The Minister also noted that it was telling in Sydney and Melbourne, the project was slated to be built near Sydney Olympic Park and Tullamarine Airport respectively and not in high-value areas on the foreshore surrounded by residential development.
It is for that reason the State Government remains open to working with the developers to find a more suitable site.
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"While I admire the enthusiasm of the developers we must remember that it is land owned by the community, and without local support it is impossible to justify locking future generations out of the space which was designated for public recreation and constant use.
"I would also like to acknowledge the work done by local member Lisa O'Malley who has been tirelessly working with the various stakeholders within the community."
