Sydney Superyacht Marina – Over-development Will Go Ahead

On 15 June the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) released its determination on the contentious modifications sought by the Superyacht Marina in Rozelle Bay. Over the last year the Glebe Society and other community members had opposed the central elements of this proposal as inappropriate over-development of the site and contrary to public interest. Most recently we gave evidence before the PAC and supported this with a further written submission.

The PAC determination supported the SSYM proposals. This brings to an end all avenues for opposing or amending the significant expansion, both on-water (24 yacht berths increased to 43) and land based (extra height of buildings, more outside entertainment spaces).

This was a disappointing but not surprising outcome. The PAC has not made many determinations in the public interest – (we await their determination on the Packer Casino at Barangaroo with more interest than optimism.)

The strong community opposition throughout the assessment process did generate some useful improvements from both the proponents and the Planning Department- the most significant being restrictions on the hours of outside entertainment and reduction of the space for and numbers of outside seating places and ongoing noise monitoring.

We will have to ensure that the additional yachts in the Bay do not become a reason for blocking the future use of the old Glebe Island Bridge as a pedestrian and cycle route.

The PAC in making its determination does acknowledge ‘that some noise will be generated’ by the expanded activities – but apparently not enough to justify blocking the expansion. The community will have to wait and see. The expansion will now go ahead quickly. One of the two new land-based buildings is well underway. The community will need to be vigilant and active on the noise front. And we will have to ensure that the additional yachts in the Bay do not become a reason for blocking the future use of the old Glebe Island Bridge as a pedestrian and cycle route. The Glebe Society will continue its membership of the Community Liaison Committee.