Battle lines drawn at Marina

Members of the “Save the Wharf” group have launched their campaign to stop a proposed extension of the marina on the Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont.

Comprised of residents and local business owners the group have sent 365 responses to the proposed development.

Co-convenor of the group and local worker, Catherine Allington, said residents and businesses were united in their objection to the extension.

“We have managed to gather 365 responses to the DA,” she said.

“Copies of these objections have gone to Clover Moore, including a petition to her and all our Councillors to do all in their power to prevent this overdevelopment of the harbour, Premier Kenealley, and Tony Kelly Minister for Planning.”

Ms Allington said she thought it was ironic the Minister for Planning is objecting to the development of jetties when he is considering a DA for filling in the eastern and western bays around the historic Jones Bay Wharf with public boats.

“The original DA permitted only sales and charter vessels,” she said.

The group also claims the extension will disturb views to and from the harbour and from the public parks, James Watkinson Reserve, Gibba and Pirrama.

She also said the development would affect residents and businesses through increases in noise and traffic congestion.

“The development is just over scale for the site,” she said.

“It will compromise the aesthetic integrity and functionality of the wharf.”

Pirrama Road resident Jennifer Fisher told City News the extension would place considerable pressure on an already stressed road system and noise from the vessels, particularly after hours, would increase.

“We have congestion and noise problems now and it’s only with negotiation with the current operators we have it at a reasonable level,” she said.

“It’s only going to get worse [with the new extension], it’s only a matter of time before there is a safety issue.”

Council did not have a response at the time of publication.