Frankston Council Media Release
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The Frankston Safe Boat Harbour is set to become a reality with the State Government giving the project the green light on Monday, 15 September.
Acting Planning Minister richard Wynne has endorsed Council's preferred Development Model (PDM) for the facility and will make the necessary amendments to the Frankston Planning Scheme to enable its construction.
"This project demonstrates the right balance between design excellance and ensuring Frankton's beaches will be protected," mr Wynne said.
"These plans make the most of Frankston's outstanding location on Port Phillip Bay and will help establish the area as a boating and leisure centre. The council's plans also set a benchmark for enviromental performance of future development on Port Phillip Bay.
"And most importantly will deliver a brand new space for community members and visitors to enjoy. Olivers Hill is an iconic coastal location and the Safe Boat will be a public facility with accessibility to all."
Frankston's City Chief Executive Officer George Modrich welcomed the decision, saying it was a step in the right direction to continue Frankston's transformation into a regional capital on the bay. "A Safe Boat Habour would enhance Frankton's role as a regional city and tourism destination. and create enormous possibilities for local businesses, in particular tourism, recreation and retail industries," he said.
"It will go a long way to complement our vibrant Frankston Waterfront in which more than $15 million has been invested."
Council worked closely with the State Government to finalise the PDM, which highlighted additional elements considered necassary to ensure the project's viability. These included removing restrictions on vessel and berth sizes, increasing floor space for commercial facilities, (i.e. boat repairs, food, marine retail), provision of dry boat storage and inclusion of short-stay accommodation.
"Now the Planning Minister has given the harbour the go ahead, Council can continue to making the project a reality," Mr Modrich said.
At its 6 October Ordinary Meeting, Council is set to consider adopting a time frame, outlining the final steps needed to deliver the project. "At this stage it is anticipated tender could be invited as early as February 2009 and the facility could be in operation by 2011, subject to securing an acceptable bid which complies with all relevent planning controls," Mr Modrich said.
Mayor Alistair Wardle said, "Council has a non-negotiable position that the safe boat harbour development will not cause any damage to Frankston Beach and surrounds. This is reinforced in the proposed amendments to the planning scheme which requires the successful developer to do initial concept designs that have to be tested to environmental impacts before commencing the detailed master design for the facility."
'In addition Council will continue to advocate for State Government to fund the stabilisation works at Olivers Hill."
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