Gladesville Bridge Marina plans to expand
A groundswell of opposition is facing Gladesville Bridge Marina’s “gross overdevelopment” plan to more than double the size of its vessel capacity.
A groundswell of opposition is facing Gladesville Bridge Marina’s “gross overdevelopment” plan to more than double the size of its vessel capacity.
The marina has plans to more than double its vessel size from 50 to 114 along fixed moorings on a concrete pontoon.
Gladesville Bridge Marina management has sought permission from the Roads and Maritime Services to build a “contemporary and sustainable marina” to replace swing moorings to fixed pontoon berths.
Save Gladesville Bridge Waterway group said the plans would stretch the marina from Five Dock Point to the foot of the bridge and fears it would restrict public use.
“I think it will destroy the visual amenity of the bay,’’ Lynn McCaig said.
“A lot of people paddleboard in the bay and fish there for jew fish and we don’t like the idea of losing the public waterwayfor the benefit of a few.”
David Ward, who represented Drummoyne Foreshore Committee in 2000 when the group lost a battle to block a pontoon’s construction, is concerned about clogging the harbour.
“Parramatta River is the oldest working river in Australia,’’ he said.
“The problem here is that it’s the narrowest part of the river but it’s also a very sensitive part.”
His son, Matthew, who is a real estate agent, dubbed it an unfair proposal.
“The previous development wasn’t fair in terms of how it played out but it’s an example of overdevelopment over a beautifulpart of Sydney Harbour which impacts on a lot of developments,” he said.
Drummoyne state Liberal MP John Sidoti has opposed the project.
“It is a gross overdevelopment and it will double in size,’’ he said.
“The bay is there to be shared by all. This is a commercial grab.
“Boating is on the increase but the reality is this is a very small marina that’s in a very residential area and it can’texpand.”
Canada Bay Council has not yet received a development application but was due to discuss it at last night’s meeting.
If plans proceed, the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel will determine the application.
Last week, Hunters Hill Council threw its support to residents and agreed to oppose action that would block community access to waterways. The marina is opposite Huntleys Point.
Gladesville Bridge Marina manager Matthew Hundleby said there was already 99 boats on the marina. But the expansion for 30 more boats to fixed places has riled residents because of the concrete pontoon.
“We recognise that the community might be worried about any proposed increases,’’ he said.
“As identified in our assessment of the demand, there is a need to increase spaces for smaller boats, as well as some demandfor 25 to 45m boats, west of the Harbour Bridge.”
“There is also demand to replace swing moorings with fixed pontoon berths, to make access easier for older and mobility impairedboat users.”
Mr Hundleby said management notified about 800 Huntleys Cove and Drummoyne residents of the project through a newsletter anda community meeting will be held early next year when the Environmental Impact Statement is due to be released.
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