Yarra Bay cruise terminal: Huge protest planned to stop proposal
The State Government does not appear to be budging in its desire to build a cruise terminal at Yarra Bay. But neither are the protesters who say it will devastate the area.
Southern Courier
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A huge protest will be staged at Yarra Bay as community members gather to oppose the introduction of a cruise ship terminal in the quiet bay.
Save the Bay Coalition is organising a forum and protest at Yarra Bay Sailing Club on Sunday, November 17 at 2pm which is expected to attract more than 1000 people.
Activities will also be staged on the beach prior to the event.
“They want to bring us the biggest cruise terminal in Australia and we will give them the biggest town hall meeting they have ever seen,” Maria Poulos, the Save the Bay Coalition convener, said.
“It will be an update (on the cruise terminal proposal) and an outline of future actions that will be taken over the next six months to change the narrative on all of this.”
The State Government is currently considering building a third Sydney cruise ship terminal in the quiet bay located next to Port Botany.
The Port Authority of NSW is compiling a detailed business case which will be presented to the State Government next year.
The State Government will then decide on whether to go ahead with the project.
Those who attend the forum and protest will hear from representatives from the Port Authority of NSW, MPs, councillors, unions, scientists, and special guest Peter Collins.
Mr Collins is the former NSW Liberal leader and Navy Reserve captain who headed an inquiry two years ago that recommended the Navy and cruise ships share Garden Island.
Many residents have been fighting the proposal since it was put forward last year fearing they will lose the bay for recreational use.
Both councils in the area, Randwick Council and Bayside Council, have also come out in opposition to the proposal.
“As a council we continue to fight on behalf of our community to oppose the devastation and overdevelopment that a terminal would bring to the area,” Randwick Mayor Danny Said, who will be in attendance on Sunday, said.
“We have also allocated $50,000 to research the various impacts that the terminal will have on the bay, specifically the social and environmental issues.”
The Port Authority of NSW told the Courier it was committed to engaging with the community and stakeholders as part of the detailed business case, with community consultation getting underway last month.
“Information sessions will be held in late 2019 to allow the community to meet the project team, ask questions and provide feedback,” a spokeswoman said.
“In early 2020, another round of information sessions will be held.”
You can also go to yoursaycruisecapacity.com.au to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the proposal.
Speakers will be set up outside the sailing club so everyone can hear the forum, which will also be live streamed on the Save the Bay Coalition Facebook page.