Safe Boat Harbour - Information Bulletin
March Quarter 2008
This is the first periodic bulletin for 2008, produced by the Frankston City Council, to ensure up to date information on the Frankston Safe Boat Harbour is available to Frankston City residents, and those who have registered their interest on Council's database.
Following a market sounding exercise conducted with the private sector in 2006, a workshop was held in February last year to allow Councillors to guage the degree of support for the project from the State Government and the private sector. As the Safe Boat Harbour is to be substantially funded and operated by the private sector, this support hinges on the long-term viability of the project.
As a result Council endorsed a Preferred Development Model which highlighted additional elements considered necessary to ensure its viability. The four main changes Council agreed to were to remove restrictions on vessel and berth sized, increase floor space for commercial facilities (i.e. boat repairs, food, marine retail), provide for dry boat storage and include short-stay accommodation.
Council's Preferred Development Model provides for the following facilities:
* Regional boat ramp with five ramps and dual landings
* Wash-down facilities
* Boat refuelling facilities
* 30 public overnight berths
* Up to 300 permanent we berths
* Up to 400 dry storage berths
* Up to 60 short-stay accommodation units
* Associated parking and turning areas for vehicles and trailers
* Outdoor recreation facilities such as public promenades, pathways and play areas
* Restaurant/cafe tourist and community ferry terminal platform, marine related retail stores such as chandlery and bait and tackle shops
* Marine-related services, workshop and boat repair facilities
* Accommodation for local clubs and emergency services
Current Status
In May 2007, Council wrote to the Planning Minister, seeking State Goverment agreement for the Preferred Development Model in terms of the project scope, extent of goverment assistance and preferred process for delivery.
The Minister has now referred the Preferred Development Model to the Priority Development Panel (PDP), an independent advisory body, for advice on alignment with State Goverment policy, required planning scheme changes and implementation process.
The PDP is considering the project during the first quarter of 2008. It has sought, from Council, detailed information in draft form including a planning scheme amendment, siting and design guidelines, a traffic management study, as well as a list of key stakeholders with whom the Panel should consult, prior to advising the Minister.
A State Goverment decision on the Preferred Development Model, along with the process of implementation involving amendments to the planning scheme, is expected in the second quarter of 2008.
What Happens Next?
1. Consideration and acceptance of Council's Preferred Development Model (PDM) by the State Government.
2. Approval of a planning scheme amendment reflecting the PDM by the Planning Minister.
3. Implementation of preferred delivery process
4. Invitation for tenders to construct and operate facility
5. Selection of successful proponent
6. Establish Community Liaison and Reference Group.
7. Design and planning compliance including modelling
8. Approval of plans for construction
Toni