Plans for the new world-class Ocean Reef Marina development have reached another milestone, after the marine portion of the project passed the State's highest level of environmental assessment this week.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson approved the Ocean Reef Marina development following a Public Environmental Review, paving the way for construction to commence next year.
The Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which included a 13-week public comment period, found the proposed development at Ocean Reef environmentally acceptable subject to strict conditions.
The Ministerial environmental approval outlines conditions including:
- The development of monitoring and management plans to ensure any impacts to marine water quality and habitats outside the marina, as well as adjacent beaches are minimised; and
- Measures to improve the management and protection of similar marine nearshore habitats in the Marmion Marine Park.
The McGowan Government will continue to work with the City of Joondalup, key stakeholders including the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, the Joondalup City RSL and the Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group, the local community and Community Reference Group via LandCorp to ensure the marina development reflects local needs and views.
Ocean Reef Marina is set to provide a new magnet for commercial, recreational and residential activity on the coast, with capacity for 565 boat pens, 200 boat stackers and a diverse mix of 1,000+ new homes.
Approximately 12,000 square metres of retail and commercial space, integrated with 2.6ha of high-quality public open space, will cater for a range of new and expanded businesses such as cafes and restaurants.
The McGowan Government has committed $120 million in funding for the Marina over the life of the project, beginning with a $35 million allocation over the first four years. Further funding is expected to be raised through private sector investment.
Construction of the new Ocean Reef Marina is due to begin next year.
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"The environmental approval for the marine portion of Ocean Reef Marina marks an important step forward for this long-awaited project, and allows detailed planning to progress.
"The McGowan Government is strongly committed to sustainable development, and we want to ensure this iconic project provides the amenities and features the community wants and is delivered in an environmentally responsible and sensitive way.
"The development and ongoing operation of this world-class marina will deliver more than 900 local jobs, and create a vibrant new tourism, hospitality and residential precinct on our coast for the benefit of all Western Australians."
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The McGowan Government's proposed redevelopment and expansion of the existing Ocean Reef Boat Harbour includes the construction of two new outer breakwaters, new jetties and boat pens and will be a much-welcomed addition to the local community.
"It's important we balance the environmental impacts during this process to protect our unique coastline.
"There has been extensive community consultation to get to this point and I look forward to the project coming to fruition."
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"I know that the Ocean Reef Marina is a much anticipated project in the northern suburbs and my electorate is excitedly awaiting construction commencing next year.
"The environmental approval along with the legislation that was introduced into the Parliament this week makes it clear that the McGowan Labor Government and I are committed to delivering the Ocean Reef Marina and investing in Joondalup.
"This project will transform my electorate, becoming a key economic driver in the region. It will deliver local jobs, put Joondalup on the map as a tourism destination along with being a fantastic location to interact with our pristine coastline and spend time with your family."
Minister's office - 6552 5900
