Wirrina Cove marina taken to task over broken safety beacon and obstruction to electrical meter box

More safety hazards have been uncovered at an embattled marina which has been in trouble for running out of fuel.

The Wirrina Cove marina, the owner of which is subject to class action from berth holders.

• April 2017: Boaties launch lawsuit against marina operator
• January 2018: Operator fails to dredge marina, breaching lease
• September 2018: Operator fails to obey court order to file documents
• September 2018: Trial delayed as director wins more time
• December: Stephen Marks accused of ‘siphoning’ berth fees

More safety hazards have been uncovered at an embattled marina which has been in trouble for running out of fuel.

Authorities issued a public notice warning boaties to “navigate with extreme caution” after it was discovered a crucial navigation light at the Marina St Vincent at Wirrina Cove was broken, in a potential breach of the marina’s lease with the State Government.

“The light will be repaired as soon as possible,” the November 7 notice, issued through the Transport, Planning and Infrastructure Department, says. The department’s manager of portfolio strategy and delivery, Peter Jackel, wrote a follow-up letter to the marina’s director, Stephen Marks, on November 20 giving him 10 days to fix the light or he would be in breach of the lease.

The Advertiser revealed yesterday that the department wrote to Mr Marks in October to raise concerns that the marina had run out of fuel on several occasions, and as recently as September.

Stephen Marks outside court. Picture: AAP / Mike Burton

Mr Marks, pictured, is sole director of New Wave Australia, the controlling company of the marina, which is subject to a class action by berth holders claiming their lease fees have been misappropriated.

The matter is listed for a trial in May.

Mr Jackel, in a separate November 20 letter, also took Mr Marks to task for a company vehicle blocking access to the marina’s main electrical switchboard and meter box.

“Whilst it is not known how often this occurs, the department notes that blocking the electrical switchboard with a car restricts access to the switchboard and creates a hazard. If access to the switchboard is again obstructed by you as tenant without lawful excuse, then the landlord may issue a further notice.”

The cabinet housing the electrical switchboard was chained and padlocked shut this week.

A source said the locks were removed yesterday.

It is understood that on December 11 AGL gave the marina seven days to pay an overdue $50,500 electricity bill.

The Advertiser sought comment from Mr Marks.