Q. What is the proposal?
The proponent has been granted permission by the Maritime Authority of NSW to lodge an application with the Department of Planning to construct and operate a marina with 172 berths and associated facilities.
The marina and jetty will provide public access and enhance the foreshore experience with the kiosk on the end of the existing jetty for informal get togethers.
The works proposed include:
• Construction of a floating structure to provide wet berths for 172 vessels, which will incorporate five destination berths for the general boating public; to provide a point of interest west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• A fixed jetty with a kiosk at the seaward end; the jetty will be designed to incorporate a ferry stop should future demand show that this is desirable, as requested in the Canada Bay Local Environment Plan.
• Installation of a “geotextile blanket” over the area covered by the marina to ensure sediments are not disturbed by propeller wash effects.
• A car park for 58 vehicles in the area on the west of the existing residential foreshore buildings, which will be dedicated to the use of the marina.
• A small manager’s office with some facilities for use by marina users.
Q. Where will the proposed marina be?
The proposed marina will be located at Kendall Bay, on the Parramatta River in the Canada Bay Local Government Area in Sydney’s inner west. To see a map of the proposed marina location, visit the Library section.
Q. What size vessels will be able to use the marina?
The vessels, which will be accommodated in the marina, will range in size from less than 8 metres, up to 25 metres, with the majority of the vessels being in the range 10 to 16 metres in overall length.
Q. Why do we need a marina?
Inner West Marina has been designed as a result of changing demand for storage of sea vessels in Sydney, and in particular, west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There has been extensive renewal of harbourside land from industrial use to residential, increasing population and the subsequent demand for recreational use of the River and harbour.
Q. What is the planning framework and process for determination of the application?
The zoning of the waterway in the area permits the construction of marinas and associated works pursuant to the Sydney Regional Environment Plan (SREP) Sydney Harbour Catchment 2005.
The proponent has been granted permission by the Maritime Authority of NSW to lodge an application with the Department of Planning to construct and operate a marina with 172 berths and associated facilities.
The Environmental Assessment now being prepared will be submitted to the Department of Planning and put on display for community comment. All submissions will be considered and a report will be prepared by the Department and submitted to the Minister for Planning. The Minister will determine the application under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Q. What is an Environmental Assessment (EA)?
An Environmental Assessment is an assessment of the possible impacts of a proposed project or development on the environment. It is prepared in accordance with specific requirements set down by the Director-General of the Department of Planning. These requirements are available on the Department’s website at http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au
This community consultation will ensure that all factors of importance to the community will be considered in the Environment Assessment.
Q. Will the marina be accessible to the public?
The development will provide access for people with disabilities and will provide facilities for use by the general public and in particular local residents.
Q. What will be done to remediate the impacts of previous industrial activity?
Director General's Requirements for the Environmental Assessment of a remediation proposed by Jemena Pty Ltd have been issued. That Assessment has not yet been lodged. Jemena is proposing to remediate parts of the bay. As part of the works for the Marina, and in addition to the works proposed by Jemena, a geotextile blanket will be installed beneath the marina to ensure sediments are not disturbed by boating activities. This blanket will be covered with pebbles to keep it anchored and prevent disturbance of sediments by currents, wave effects or marine activity. Also, the marina will result in a reduction of the wave effects which currently disturb the bed on the eastern and southern sides of the Bay. This will reduce the likelihood of disturbance of the bed by waves from vessels using the Parramatta River and from wind generated waves.
Q. Will entertainment or “party” boats operate from the marina?
No. The marina will not be used as a base or a location for the operation of such businesses.
Q. Will the marina have an impact on the value of nearby properties?
Experience with marinas in other locations suggests that it is likely that the proposed marina could lead to an increase in the value of nearby properties.
Q. What is the layout of the proposed marina?
The design of the marina has been developed to:
i. Have the vessels generally in the visual north/south shadow line of the original jetty.
ii. Provide open spaces between lines of moored vessels such that when people walk along the foreshore, their views to the east have minimal impact.
iii. Accommodate the wave environment at the site, particularly as a result of vessels’ waves, generated by vessels moving along the main Parramatta River channel.
iv. Stand well clear of the notional navigation channel required for Sydney Ferries access to the public ferry wharf at Cabarita.
To see a map of the proposed marina layout, visit the Library section of this website.
The layout has been based on the vessel characteristics specified in Australian Standard AS 3962:2001 Guidelines for the Design of Marinas and NSW Maritime Authority Guidance Note 8.3.02. Minimum water depth required in berths and in the fairways has been based on the requirements of the NSW Maritime Authority as set out in Guidance Note 8.3.05, taking into account the wave attenuation effect of the floating structure.
Q. What services and benefits will be provided, and will they be available to the general public?
The construction of the marina development will provide the general and boating public with:
• Parking
• Toilets
• Access for Sailability Australia activities
• Enhanced access to the waterway through the provision of pick up and drop off berths
• Enhanced waterway experiences through the provision of day tripper berths
• Enhanced experience of the foreshore and enhanced community experience through the provisions of the jetty and kiosk for informal get togethers
• Access for people with disabilities to vessels at public berths
• Vessel cleaning and maintenance, and
• Sewage and waste water pump out.
There will be no provision for refuelling of vessels, and no slip facilities to remove boats from the water for major repairs and maintenance.
Q. What parking will be provided for marina users?
A car park for 58 vehicles in the area on the west of the existing residential foreshore buildings will be dedicated to the use of the marina. This car park will make levy contributions to the maintenance of roads and facilities within the Community Association, like all other property owners.
Q. What services will be provided at the proposed marina?
As well as safe and secure berths, the services provided for boat owners will sewage and waste water pump out and minor repairs and servicing. There will be no provision for refuelling of vessels, and no slip facilities to remove boats from the water for major repairs and maintenance.
