Marina moves ahead

THE way has been paved for construction to begin on the $100 million Shell Cove Boatharbour and Marina.

The step forward comes as Shellharbour Council's $8 million "Myimbarr Wetlands" project is given the stamp of approval from the Director General of the NSW Department of Planning.

Mayor David Hamilton said the approval was a major milestone for the Myimbarr Wetlands project, which he said is a vital component of Council's Shell Cove Project.

"Having the Director-General's stamp of approval is not only testament to the success of the project but it paves the way for the start of physical works on the Boatharbour which is of course very exciting." He said.

Approval for Myimbarr from the Director-General of the NSW Department of Planning was one of the conditions of consent placed on the Shell Cove Boatharbour when the Planning Minister originally approved it in 1996.

Condition 3 of the Shell Cove Boatharbour development consent states that 12 months after the practical completion of the wetland the applicant may, with the approval of the Director-General, commence work on the construction of the Boatharbour/Marina.

"Council and its project partner, Australand are absolutely thrilled with progress of the Shell Cove Project. When you look around the City and see flourishing new communities, a thriving wetland, a championship golf course and soon a Boatharbour and Marina under construction, we are filled with pride and continued anticipation," Mr Hamilton said.

Preliminary environmental works, including the relocation of the old waste tip, are underway while engineering design details on the Boatharbour are almost complete. Major works on the Boatharbour site are scheduled to begin early next year.