By Alistair Gray
Some dry stack storage facilities will go if the proposed development proceeds.
Spinnaker Sound Marina, in operation since 1981, has always provided support services for the local boaties, fishers and tourist operators, along with a small number of restaurants, a café and residential apartments taking advantage of the magnificent outlook over the marina precinct. In July, Ignite Projects director Josh Foote, announced a multi-million-dollar upgrade to the marina, with plans to build a new waterfront apartment complex with an additional 66 apartments, 154 car parks for residents and visitors and exclusive recreational areas. Spinnaker Marina Development Pty Ltd has lodged a development application.
The new development, to be constructed over the current dry boat facilities, will also require the removal of the current boat lift facilities. The construction will impact not only the boaties that rely on and use those facilities but also Southern Fish Marine, which has operated at the marina for the last nine years. They hold Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Kohler, Mercury Outboards, Motor Guide and the Makocraft boat range dealerships. Southern Fish Marine has a bustling business operation, with seven staff members providing marine servicing, engine and boat sales, antifouling, general chandlery sales and EPA Licensing. They also operate Southern Fish Wild Caught on the site. The impacts on Southern Fish Marine, a core marina business, will be significant if the development proceeds, particularly during the build phase.
“We have no plans to sell and we are not getting bulldozed! We will continue to operate even if the council’s decision is unfavourable. We own our land and buildings,” Southern Fish Marine business owners Anthony and Wendye Tennant said. “Our sheds have always housed mechanical repairs since the early days of the marina and was even a Bertram Dealership back in the day”.
“One of the draw cards to Bribie Island is the waterways and boating life, but saying this wouldn’t affect hundreds of our customers who utilise the facility is a joke. Once it’s gone, it is gone, there is no coming back,” Anthony said.
“With no more storage stacks, no more launching and retrieval of boats by the forklift, no more haul out facilities for boat antifouling and repairs, many boat owners will be severely impacted, particularly the older ones,” Philip Williams said on Facebook.
Pacific Harbour has no boat lift facilities; the nearest is at Scarborough. Many boat owners drive some distance to have their boats launched at Spinnaker Point Marina, with their boats stored on the dry stack. Moreton Bay City Council shouldn’t underestimate the impact of the withdrawal of these facilities on the whole of the City of Moreton Bay area. It is easy to make a quick decision and yet stuff up a whole ecosystem that has operated successfully for many years with unintended consequences.
Should you wish to sign the Submission Against the Proposal, please call into the Southern Fish Marine’s office at the Spinnaker Marina.
Information on proposed development (DA/2024/3304) can be found here (Insert QR Code)
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