News - Frankston Safe Boat Harbour Project Delayed

In a closed session of Council last night, Frankston City Council confirmed it would go back out to tender in 12 to 18 months to seek the best harbour development for the community.

No conforming tenders were received from the market during stage 1b of the tender process, which closed on January 29, 2010. Feedback received from selected registrants indicated that despite wanting to construct the harbour, current market conditions have meant that they were unable to secure finance for the project.

Frankston City Council Mayor, Cr Christine Richards, assures the community the project is still a high-priority and a significant development Council wants to see completed over the next few years.

“The proposed Frankston Safe Boat Harbour is a multi-million dollar project and we want to ensure we have the best developer to realise this long-awaited community dream as soon as market conditions allow,” said Richards.

The safe boat harbour is to be located at Olivers Hill and will incorporate up to 300 permanent wet berths and 400 dry berths, five public launching ramps, shops, restaurants, accommodation, and open space.

Frankston City Council CEO, George Modrich, confirmed the Frankston Safe Boat Harbour will be one of the premier public-boating facilities on Port Phillip Bay.

“The plan for the Safe Boat Harbour is to provide residents and visitors to the City with boat mooring and storage facilities as well as additional restaurants, cafes and shops,” Modrich said.

A variety of employment opportunities will also result from the development of the marina, including retail, hospitality, marine and boating-related professions.

Council has resolved to commence the Cultural Heritage Plan for the site and to progress discussions with the local indigenous community. It will also pursue Olivers Hill slope stabilisation funding from the Victorian State Government.

“Council has a non-negotiable position that the marina development will not cause any damage to Frankston Beach and surrounds,” said Richards. “The successful tender will need to demonstrate their design meets strict environmental guidelines before Council will give it the green light.”

Frankston City Council said it wants to ensure it develops the Safe Boat Harbour at a time when Council can achieve the best possible outcome — environmentally, economically and socially.