Gladesville Bridge Marina manager says upgrade needed

A marina to match standards of pontoons overseas is what Sydney needs, the Gladesville Bridge Marina manager said.

Gladesville Bridge Marina manager Matthew Hundleby. Picture: Quentin Jones

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A marina to match standards of pontoons overseas is what Sydney needs, the Gladesville Bridge Marina manager said.

“We live in one of the most beautiful waterways in the world but unfortunately we don’t have the infrastructure that some of the marinas in the world have,’’ Matthew Hundleby said.

“New Zealand puts us to shame because their government builds the marinas and the infrastructure.”

Mr Hundleby also visited Majorca and southern England to inspect marinas in June ahead of requesting plans with the RMS to increase capacity at the Drummoyne marina.

A marina upgarde would extend to the foot of the bridge. Picture: Quentin Jones

The proposal is to double the marina capacity from 50 to 114 vessels on two fixed pontoons.

There would be a total of 129 vessels at the marina if the project is approved.

Mr Hundleby said demand warranted the expansion and boat numbers had remained the same for 40 years.

“At this time of the year we’re full,’’ he said.

The marina would accommodate 114 vessels. Picture: Quentin Jones

The former boat builder said the extra pontoons would shift boats on swing moorings east of the bridge on to the fixed berths.

Drummoyne state Liberal MP John Sidoti slammed the proposal as abhorrent and urged residents to write to Canada Bay Council, which must assess the first stage of the application with the RMS.

Residents who oppose the marina expansion. Picture: Jordan Shields

He said Canada Bay Council opposes plans and last week sent letters to residents expressing concerns of overdeveloping the waterway.

Mr Hundleby at the point where the marina extension would start. Picture: Quentin Jones

He said it would compound problems in Drummoyne after the council commissioned a study for more density along Victoria Rd.

Save Gladesville Bridge Waterway has also objected to expansion plans that would see two concrete pontoons stretch from Five Dock Bay to the foot of the bridge.

Near the site where a car stacker would be built.

Residents have cited concerns over blocking the water way to the public for recreation and more parking gridlock on streets such as the already-congested Victoria Place at the marina entrance.

“Everyone tries to protect their own space and I understand that,” Mr Hundleby said.

“Some people don’t like change but you provide access for people who aren’t lucky enough to live on the foreshore.”

The RMS is assessing plans for the upgrade. Picture: Quentin Jones

The marina is privately owned but is built on RMS space.

“All marina structures in NSW rely on private investment and private investment allows people in NSW who don’t live on the waterfront to store a boat in NSW,’’ Mr Hundleby said.

Mr Hundleby said a car stacker with 30 spaces would replace the slipway.

The RMS is still considering the marina’s application.

If the application wins support, the marina management would lodge a development application and Environmental Impact Study with the council for assessment.