A PLAN to extend a Williamstown marina has local residents, clubs and businesses up in arms amid claims the proposal would reduce access to the busy waterfront precinct.
The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV), which occupies prime waterfront real estate between Gem Pier and the Williamstown Water Police, is seeking to redevelop its marina to include an additional 58 berths.
The proposal would mean the marina is extended further into the crowded Hobsons Bay, sparking fears that it would cut into boating clearways used by businesses and clubs in the area.
More than 100 objections have been lodged by local clubs including the Sea Scouts, The Williamstown Sailing Club and Hobsons Bay Yacht Club.
Hobsons Bay City Council has also voiced concern, last week resolving to oppose the development on the grounds that it would “result in an inadequate distribution of access to and from other marine facilities in the area”.
The council was also unhappy about lack of public access to the proposed marina and inadequate car parking.
Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair said that although the RYCV was a valued asset to the local sailing community, the “excessive footprint” and “encroachment on the clearway” of the proposal were too great for the council to support.
But RYCV commodore Michael Smith sought to assure all parties that fears about clearway encroachment and reduced access were unfounded.
“We’re not in a position to take over clearways,” he said.
“Even with our (proposed) extension we’re still behind the line of where the other clubs sail.
“We can’t legally build a marina and block the clearway. It is just not possible.”
Objectors have also accused the RYCV of catering to “millionaires from the other side of town with their 17 metre yachts” at the expense of local water users and of trying to avoid public scrutiny.
Bill Pride from the Williamstown Sailing Club said local waterway users were not consulted about the marina plan.
One concerned local resident who did not want to be identified said local groups feared the proposal would “clutter up the bay for an exclusive club”.
“I haven’t seen any public consultation on this.
“They (The RYCV) planned the submission so that it gets the least attention. I am very sceptical about the timing,” the resident said.
But Mr Smith said the RYCV had been “completely open and transparent” about the marina plan, which has been on the drawing board for more than two years.
“As a member of the community, I’m really disappointed with the response.
“I find it a ludicrous suggestion that people with money should not be allowed to use the club.
“We’ve spoken to our neighbours telling them what our plans are. It wasn’t our intention to try and slip something through.”
“We have to have a public forum and that will happen. We certainly haven’t been trying to avoid it.”
Mr Smith confirmed that the club would hold a public meeting “when we finalise things with Parks Victoria and the DSE (Department of Sustainability and Environment)”.
He said the scale of the marina extension had been carefully considered and was essential for the ongoing viability of the club.
“We have had a waiting list for berths at our club for many years and that means our membership stagnates.
“We need the extra berths to get more boats in the club but the floating-style marina is also much safer and better for access for all age groups.”
A spokeswoman for the DSE, which will make the final ruling on the planning application, said it would be considered in light of the Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan and the Williamstown Foreshore Master Plan.
“The Minister (for Sustainability and Environment, John Thwaites) will make a decision on the application once the advertising period is completed, further information received, and a DSE assessment made.
“As soon as the applicant provides a letter or statutory declaration officially notifying DSE they have advertised this application, DSE makes its assessment. A statutory period of 60 days applies.”
