COMPANY STATEMENT
ESCAPE BOATING PTY LTD LODGES DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
On 26 May 2015, Escape Boating Pty Ltd, trading as Cockatoo Island Marine Centre, lodged an application with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to develop dry boat storage, marina berthing, and maintenance services on the south-western corner of the Southern Apron of Cockatoo Island.
Approval to bring forward this application follows a public Expression of Interest conducted by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust in March 2012. Escape Boating Pty Ltd in May 2012 was chosen as the preferred applicant in June 2012.
The proposal comprises the construction of dry boat storage for up to 123 boats, and marina berthing for up to 32 boats in Sutherland Dock and on the outer wharf of the Southern Apron. Boats dry stored would be placed in two tier open racks, sitting lower than the existing buildings and structures on the Southern Apron.
Escape Boating is a small business, owned and operated by an Australian couple. They currently employ eight people. The business seeks to provide services to visitors to Cockatoo Island as well as Sydney boat owners. The concept for this proposal was developed after observing the shortage of boat storage facilities and growing issues in suburban streets across Sydney. There is a well-documented need for additional boat storage on Sydney Harbour. In 2013, The Transport for NSW Maritime Management Centre released their Sydney Harbour Boat Storage Strategy. The report identified a shortfall of 1,000 drystack spaces and 600 marina berths.
The proposed development is on a leased area of concrete hardstand. No land will be purchased and no buildings will be demolished. All structures are non-permanent. The proposed mooring systems for pontoons in Sutherland Dock are designed to carefully preserve the dock walls ensuring no permanent modification and the ability to return it to original purposes at the end of the lease.
The development application includes a detailed report prepared by independent consultants outlining the heritage impact of the proposal. The conclusion of the report is that the proposed development would have no impact on the World Heritage values of Cockatoo Island and only very minor (and acceptable) impact on the National and Commonwealth heritage values of Cockatoo Island and Sutherland Dock.
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust expects to make its decision on the application in July 2015 following a 28 day consultation period.
The development application can be found at www.harbourtrust.gov.au and the Harbour Trust can be contacted on +61 2 8969 2100.
For more information, please contact
Philip McGrath
Director, Escape Boating Pty Ltd
Ph +61 424042833