Marina’s expansion to ruin neighbourhood charm

Local residents and Woollahra councillors are outraged by a development proposal to the Rose Bay Marina that will transform the bay to what some call a “boat park”.

Developer Addenbrooke Pty Ltd is requesting to build a third arm on the eastern side of the Marina to accommodate 37 berths as well as adding nine berths to the western arm.

The proposal has been rejected by Woollahra Council and the Land and Environmental Council on two occasions.

Former Woollahra mayor and Residents First founder Geoff Rundle is campaigning to stop the development.

He cited Justice Peter Biscoe’s 2009 ruling in the land and environmental court: “Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

It provides pleasure not only to local residents and mariners but to many visitors from Australia and abroad.

Consequently, the impact of the proposed commercial marina on Rose Bay is of unusually wide public significance.”

Mr Rundle said: “They rejected this development twice. Why should a developer keep coming back trying to get same thing when a leading judge has made a determination that it is not an appropriate development for the harbour foreshore?”

Mr Rundle chaired a community meeting last week where over 100 residents and Woollahra councilllors David Shoebridge, Sean Carmichael and Nicola Grieve voiced their concerns.

Cr Grieve said it was unfair for ratepayers to pay for a costly development they do not want.

“The public interest takes precedence over the private benefit”.

“The third arm the developer is seeking will obliterate the views to Manly and the Heritage listed Shark
Island from the Heritage listed Promenade,” she said.

Resident and Vice President of Rose Bay Residents Association, Maureen Clark said: “Rose Bay was considered the safest bay in the harbour a few years ago.

It catered to so many children. “They were sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking but gradually it is becoming more dangerous. Larger boats are coming to Rose Bay and families are afraid for their children.

“The Rose Bay Residents Association and others are trying to protect the children and return Rose Bay to be the safest bay in the harbour,” she said.

“Woollahra Council gave us a beautiful promenade to view the harbour a few years ago. I understand it’s the largest promenade in Sydney.

To our horror a boat park is now being built denying a view of the harbour from the promenade.”

By Kate Horowitz