Marina unit plans rejected

Proposals for a major development of 67 units in two five-storey buildings at Sandstone Point, have been rejected.

Moreton Bay City Councillors voted 9-3 against the proposal for 13-19 Spinnaker Dr and the recommendation of Council officers.

The application was for two, three and four-bedroom units, as well as short-term accommodation, on 4762sqm of land by the marina.

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) had “very serious concerns” about making a decision to “permanently and irreversibly sacrifice valuable, functional and irreplaceable marine industry land.

But, Mayor Peter Flannery was in favour “knowing what is coming over the horizon” – the proposed marina at North Harbour.

Public consultation also backed the application with 72 in support and 28 against from 100 submissions (81 properly made).

Key argument

In defence of marine industry at Spinnaker Dr, Cr Savige said: “Bribie Island, Sandstone Point and Ningi are boating and fishing communities.

“The officers’ recommendations being put forward today ask us to make a decision that will fundamentally change the identity of these communities now and into the future.

“The key argument … is some of the land that has been zoned industrial marine industry has been used for residential and other purposes, therefore a marine precinct is no longer required.

“The more reasonable argument is some of the marine purpose zone has been used for other purposes and therefore any further erosion of the land for non-marine uses must be considered most carefully and critically so the marine needs continue to be satisfied.”

If marine industry left Spinnaker Dr, Cr Savige said boat owners would have an hour's drive to Scarborough or Pelican Waters for services.

She also said at 18.6m the proposed development exceeded the planning scheme maximum of 15m and “contributes to an over-intensification of the site”.

Extra traffic

Cr Savige was concerned about extra traffic on Spinnaker Dr and the intersection with Bribie Island Rd, as well as moving 36 public car parks to the basement of the proposed complex.

Based on population growth, Cr Savige said Moreton Bay is likely to have “an additional 5625 boats by 2034” with a large number “requiring services provided by these precincts”.

“I’m of the view it doesn’t matter how much marine industry land you have, if it isn’t in the right location it means nothing,” she said.

“The Spinnaker land is approved, available, usable and it provides the services to be distributed across the region.

“If we approve this (development application) we permanently remove all current and future opportunities for marine industry and boating services to be made available to this seaside island community … and surrounding (growth) communities of Caboolture and Elimbah.”

Great disservice

In support, Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) said the “entire boating community rely on Montys Marina (Caboolture), Spinnaker and Scarborough”.

“I believe it will be a great disservice to our large boating community if we remove any more marine industry land and this land is currently a working marina. What little marine industry should remain.”

Cr Hain (Div 3) believed losing marine industry at Spinnaker Dr “will be a big loss”.

Mayor Peter Flannery was “comfortable” with the building height “because our planning scheme is performance based so we know 15m is not a hard 15m”.

But a “little bit concerned” about the short-term accommodation proposal and the number of public submissions which supported the development.

He also questioned “the viability of this industry going forward in this location”, saying: “North Harbour perfect example of where marine industry should be.”