Residents and businesses join forces to fight marina development

Angered residents and businesses owners have joined forces to protest the proposed development of Jones Bay Wharf Marina in Pyrmont.

The proposal, submitted by Toga Development, will expand the marina considerably, increasing vessel numbers from 43 to 73 and current marina employees by 70 per cent.

Local worker and employee of Hawcroft Consulting Catherine Allington said the plans would have a negative impact on the local area.

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

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

Ms Allington said existing noise and congestion issues were already at a level many local considered unacceptable, with many worried they would now get worse.

Pirrama Road resident Jennifer Fisher said the roads and infrastructure in the area were already stretched to breaking point with the current size of the marina.

“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 and it’s only a matter of time before there is a safety issue.”

Ms Fisher said the noise from the clearing of bottles and waste from boats occurred at all hours of the day and night and feared this would increase with the expanded size.

An objection lodged by residents and business owners claims the aim of the Noise Impact Statement was to determine the noise impact of the proposal on the surrounding residents and commercial developments in the surrounding area.

Local business owner Catherine Allington told City News that as well as noise and access considerations the development also had pollution, parking, visual impact and heritage implications.

Ms Allington said spillage of bilge water, sewage, litter and rubbish associated with commercial practices would be greatly increased under the current application and the size of the development would block the water for residents and businesses.

The objection points out the visual impact statement relies on the “dynamic” nature of vessels to reduce their density.

“Historically, current vessels remain berthed for the majority of the day with an average of 6 out of 7 vessels constantly docked on the west.

“The argument that the impact on views is insignificant compared to the previous wharf usage (large steam vessels) is irrelevant and misleading as the wharf is now used for commercial offices and public recreation where an outlook is important.”

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

By Simon Black