The proposed $390 million Gold Coast International Marine Precinct project on the Coomera River is one step closer now the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been approved.
Subject to a number of stringent environmental and operational conditions, the marina precinct will involve developing a 63.2 hectare site adjacent to the existing Gold Coast Marine Precinct.
If the project goes ahead, it is forecast to create more than 4,300 construction jobs and 4,800 operational employment opportunities, according to Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney.
“The release of the Coordinator General’s evaluation report on the marin precinct’s Environmental Impact Statement represents another step in the assessment process for the potential $390 million projects,” Mr Seeney said in a December 19 media release.
In addition to a recreational powerboat and yacht manufacturing and maintenance facility, the proposal includes a 264 berth external marina, 110 berth internal marina, ship-lifting facility and a dry-stack storage facility that could hold a further 290 vessels.
“Should it go ahead, the new precinct will be good news for the Gold Coast economy and good news for workers wanting to upskills in a local export industry,” Mr Seeney said.
This is encouraging for those seeking Gold Coast apprenticeships in construction or roles based in the marine industry.
In order for the project to reach full approval, those supporting the proposal must provide sufficient evidence the marina will adhere to the environmental conditions laid out in the official EIS statement.
These conditions include such things as appropriate management of potential acid sulphate soils encountered during construction and the use or suitable disposal of material dredged.
Additionally, the construction and operations of the development must not adversely impact water quality or harm marine and land-based plants and animals in the area.
The EIS also identified the risks to the marina itself, as the proposed location is a low-lying, flood affected site.
This concern has been addressed in the original proposal, with partial filling of the site expected to raise the marina level more than 1 per cent over the annual exceedance probability flood level.
“If approved, residents and visitors to the Gold Coast will ultimately benefit from this investment and can expect to see major improvements to the Shipper Drive site in Coomera,” Mr Seeney said
When approval is awarded, construction on the proposed marina is expected to begin within two years.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
