Preliminary work begins on next stage of Batavia Coast Marina, Grylls

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 11-June-2012

• $3.86m Royalties for Regions funding paves the way for expansion of Batavia Coast Marina
• Integrated mixed use precinct offering improved public amenity
• Proposed development to help underpin the Mid-West economic growth

The State Government has announced investigatory work is to begin on land adjoining Geraldton’s Batavia Coast Marina.

The decision paves the way for further development of Geraldton’s waterfront to revitalise a 6.14ha stretch of vacant land currently separating the city’s CBD from its marina.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the progression of work had been made possible through the approval of a $3.86million funding contribution from the Royalties for Regions Mid West Investment Plan.

“Once complete, the total Batavia Coast Marina precinct will offer a master-planned mix of commercial, residential and tourism developments within landscaped surrounds and public open space for all the community to enjoy,” Mr Grylls said.

“Geraldton is on the radar of Australia’s economists and investors, with recent reports recognising the city as one of the top 12 fastest growing towns in the nation, spurred on by the continued growth of the resources sector.

“With major projects coming on line, the time is right for groundwork to begin on exploring the future expansion of the Batavia Coast Marina precinct to bring more amenities and business opportunities to this economically strategic regional city.”

A whole-of-Government approach is being applied to the proposed development, with the main partners including the City of Greater Geraldton, the Mid West Development Commission and LandCorp which is contributing an estimated $20.4million towards development costs.

Apart from providing greater housing and office choice to cater for the predicted population growth, the project will bring significant employment opportunities to the region and further stimulate private sector investment in Geraldton.

Fact File

• 6.14ha of land along Chapman Road, between Geraldton CBD and its waterfront/marina
• Proposes to amalgamate parcels of vacant land adjacent to the waterfront including the former marshalling yards
• Development of the area will help solve the lack of integration and cohesion between the Geraldton CBD and the waterfront
• Stage 1 of the Batavia Coast Marina was completed 10 years ago, with all land for large scale residential and commercial projects, except the hotel site, now developed

Minister’s office - 6552 5500