By Hamish Heard
A COUNCILLOR has accused the company behind the Nelson Place Marina proposal of “arrogance” for failing to consult with the community over plans to commandeer public assets.
Williamstown North Ward councillor Peter Hemphill has called on Parks Victoria and Nelson Place Marina Pty Ltd to call an immediate public meeting.
Cr Hemphill said he was “gobsmacked” to read in the company’s proposal that final approvals for the massive marina development were expected early this year.
A source told Star that NPM hoped to have a contract with Hobsons Bay Yacht Club and Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club signed by the end of February so that a planning application could be submitted next month.
“How could anybody be so arrogant as to not consult the community about plans to pull down a public pier and replace it with one to suit their own needs,” Cr Hemphill said.
According to NPM’s proposal, the company had already discussed the proposal with Parks Victoria and State Government’s marina consultants, Leisurcorp and GHD Engineering.
The proposal states all three organisations: “indicate that the relocation and alterations to Ferguson St (Pier) has merit in the context of what (NPM is) trying to achieve and…they do not see any reason that it would not be approved”.
Cr Hemphill said he asked NPM director Murray Nugent when the organisation would ask the wider community what it felt about the plans last week.
“When I asked the question he said he would consult with the community once the company had some detailed plans,” Cr Hemphill said.
“Well he’s already got some pretty detailed plans on the table and I’m calling on Parks Victoria and NPM to begin public discussions about this immediately.”
NPM director Terry O’Hare has not returned Star’s calls for comment.
