Marina is expected to finished by August

The new 50-berth Koolewong marina is expected to be finished by August, according to the developer.

The piling had been completed on Wednesday, April 13, said Mr Les Binkin of Marmong Marina Properties Pty Ltd.

"We are just finishing the piling and putting plastic sleeves on to protect the piles," Mr Binkin said.

"The floating pontoons are coming down from Queensland and within a month's time we will be starting the boardwalk and works along the north of property," he said.

The Koolewong Marina is classified as a "major project" under NSW Planning and Environment policy.

It was originally approved in May 2012 by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission as delegate of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

At that time, approval was given to Gemstead Pty Ltd. After approval, the project was purchased by Marmong Marina Properties in August 2013.

A Section 75W modification was then lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment in November 2014.

The modification application was made "to make some minor amendments aimed at improving the overall public amenity, functionality and viability of the project as approved," according to the application lodged on behalf of Marmong Marina Properties by ADW Johnson.

According to documentation lodged with the department as part of the Section 75W modification, between May 2012 and November 2014, a Crown lease area was created, described as Lot 1 DP 1180719 that encompasses land above and below mean high water mark.

The main change to the design was to replace the approved 1.5 x 35 metre jetty with a 12 metre x 2 metre jetty and a 10m x 2m gangway.

Minor changes were made to berth sizes and configurations, and a timber boardwalk was incorporated.

The modification application also requested the removal and amendment to conditions of consent, statements of commitment and provisions within the Marina Environmental and Operational Management Plan because of the new proponent's "extensive experience in marinas".

The modification application documents also stated: "The proponent has undertaken extensive consultation with all authorities potentially affected by the proposal as well as undertaking additional investigations in regards to the potential effects on seagrass."

The approved modified development will include upgrading and raising the existing timber jetty and upgrading and reconfiguring the existing carpark to allow for 15 additional spaces (45 in total).

The notice of modification was granted on September 18, 2015, and a construction certificate was provided by a private certifier in December.

According to Mr Binkin, the modification will ensure the project remains within the same lease footprint but gives a "better design, just more in line with Australian Standards.

He said he had been getting a healthy flow of inquiries from boat owners wishing to acquire moorings at the new marina.

"It is filling quickly which is great thing to see because it will be a $5 million investment for us.

"We have up to 25 metre berths but casual berths up to 30 with power supplies to suite, but the marina is predominantly made up of 16 to 18 metre berths.

"This is a boutique marina.

"We want to see it as a five-star marina so there will be amenities for the boat owners."

The proximity of oyster leases to the marina means it will not supply fuel but it will have a waste pump out facility that will be piped ashore and into the sewer mains."

Mr Binkin said no existing swing moorings were lost to make way for the development although several were moved north.

The existing building that houses the Boathouse Restaurant will get a facelift, according to Mr Binkin.

Interview, 13 Apr 2016

Les Binkin, Marmong Marina Properties Pty Ltd

Letter, 17 May 2012

Brent Devine, Planning NSW

Website, 13 Apr 2016

NSW Planning and Environment, Koolewong Marina

Reporter: Jackie Pearson