Perth's first coastal pool to be included in Ocean Reef Marina project

Perth’s first coastal pool to be included in Ocean Reef Marina project

August 17, 2020

Karen Sweaney

The long-anticipated Ocean Reef Marina project, has revealed that Perth's northern suburbs will be home to the city's first coastal pool which will be located within the protected beach area, and large enough for swimming laps in and playing aquatic sports following its anticipated completion in 2025.

The first stage, now underway, involves ground works to facilitate the construction of marina infrastructure and public amenities.

The project, which was a 2017 election commitment, will deliver a waterfront precinct providing recreational, tourism, residential and boating facilities for local residents and visitors.

Approximately 12,000 metres2 of retail and commercial space, integrated with more than five hectares of community space, will cater for a range of new and expanded businesses such as cafés and restaurants.

The Western Australian Government is spending $6.5 million help relocate the Marine Rescue Whitfords and Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club (ORSSC) to new facilities within the multimillion-dollar development by 2023.

In total, the State Government said it had committed more than $126 million in funding over the life of the marina project, with expectations private and public sector investment would generate more than $900 million.

The Joondalup City RSL memorial will also be relocated to a suitable location within the central open space at the Ocean Reef Marina development and in close proximity to the new ORSSC site. The location and design will accommodate large gatherings such as Anzac Day memorial services.

WA Premier Mark McGowan notes "a marina at Ocean Reef has been talked about for decades, and so it's exciting to see this precinct finally coming to life as we promised.

"When complete, this project will be a key attraction, not just for the northern suburbs but for our whole State, just like Hillarys Boat Harbour has been.

WA Lands Minister Ben Wyatt added "Ocean Reef Marina will not only provide a wonderful marine playground for the people of Western Australia, it will also unlock economic growth and create new jobs during construction and in the longer term.

"Community consultation has informed the final plans for the marina, which now includes Perth's first coastal pool, and through our Construction Working Group we will continue to listen to community feedback.

"After more than 40 years in the making, I'm delighted to get this project off the ground, creating local jobs and opening up new opportunities for people living in the northern suburbs."

However according to the ABC, while the project has been touted for decades, some locals are strongly against it, with the residential development plans among the most contentious aspects.

Spokesman for the Save Ocean Reef group, Peter Rogers, told the ABC that locals were concerned about what the housing development would do to the local area noting "the scope of the housing that's been put into this project is well beyond what the residents of Ocean Reef and the northern suburbs really wanted.

Rogers said locals were concerned the housing density would increase without a corresponding rise in schools and other facilities and added "we question what our lifestyle is going to be like in the area.”

The group is calling for a thorough review of the processes the Government's central development agency, Development WA, has used in relation to the housing plans.

The State Government's development corporation, DevelopmentWA, is responsible for the construction of the marina with the City of Joondalup a project partner.

Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton advised "our community is well and truly ready for this much-anticipated project, one of our key election commitments, to become a reality.

"It will deliver jobs and boost our local economy, it will be a place that locals can interact with our pristine coastline and become a tourism destination that will put Joondalup on the map.

"The members of the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, Marine Rescue Whitfords and the Joondalup City RSL have been an integral part of the planning of this exciting development, and I would like to thank them for their willingness to work so collaboratively with us.”

For further information, visit https://www.developmentwa.com.au/oceanreefmarina/

Images and video courtesy of DevelopmentWA