Shifty marina deals

By LYDIA WATSON-MOORE

A decision on the future lease of the Elizabeth Bay Marina has been further delayed after Supreme Court proceedings were adjourned on July 17.

The case, which is a civil matter between NSW RMS and former lease holder Spicey Caricorn Pty Ltd, will not be heard again until August 14.

Spicey Caricorn Pty Ltd held the previous lease of the marina since 2009 but were evicted late last year by RMS.

Spicey Caricorn is suspected to have business links to father and son duo, Eddie and Moses Obeid, found corrupt in ICAC findings.

Co-owner Michael Dalah previously told Fairfax Media that Moses Obeid was not financially connected to the marina but that Mr Obeid represented the other owner, real estate agent Joseph Georges, in the business.

ICAC heard that Mr Georges played a role in a shifty coal deal that earnt the Obeid family $30 million.

During this inquiry, Mr Georges denied that Mr Obeid had any financial interest in the marina, yet he was involved with the ‘day to day’ running of the business.

Solicitor David Deutsch, who is representing Spicey Caricorn in the case, is also representing the Obeid family in their legal dispute with RMS over Circular Quay cafes.

RMS had previously stated that new tender applications would soon be accepted, however NSW Parliament indicated in June that the court case had stalled the process.

“The intended expression of interest process has been suspended due to the commencement of proceedings in the Supreme Court by the former tenant,” read the statement.

An RMS spokesperson confirmed that the expressions of interest for tender remain on hold.

Fairfax media previously reported several initially interested locals who would prepare for tender, including Sydney developer Theo Onisforou.

However, when contacted for comment, Mr Onisforou apologised and said the matter was “commercially confidential”.

Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said that a proper leasing agreement was needed for the marina.

“Elizabeth Bay Marina is a public asset, and should be leased for community benefit,” Mr Greenwich said.

“I’ve repeatedly called for proper leasing arrangements, and will continue to press for a transparent process.”