DA lodged for major Burnett Heads Marina Precinct
by Kristina Neal 31 Oct 2018 03:28 PDT
Single, multi-hull and commercial berths nestled in a safe harbour © Gateway Marina
Sydney based BH Developments QLD Pty Ltd (BHD) has officially lodged a development application with Bundaberg Regional Council for a integrated marina and resort project, set to transform the coastal town of Burnett Heads into a vibrant tourism, lifestyle and leisure precinct.
The proposed new Gateway Marina development is a high quality, mixed-use marina village located on the south western shore of the Burnett Heads Boat Harbour.
Plans include a 318-berth state of the art marina with automated 24-hour fuel dock, linked to a vibrant marina village offering water's edge short stay accommodation, boutique retail stores, cafes and restaurants, gymnasium, offices and yacht club.
An adjacent residential precinct with low-rise apartments, waterfront villas and a hotel resort and convention centre with eco-villas all linked via a public waterfront boardwalk are also part of the plans. Multimodal bike and walking paths with green open spaces and BBQ pavilions will offer significant amenity for residents and visitors, contributing positively to the existing community of Burnett Heads.
BHD Managing Director Simon Harvey said "It was not hard to get excited at the opportunity."
"With marina projects, creating a safe, sheltered harbour usually becomes the responsibility of the developer. In this case, the harbour already existed, and the fact that it is in an idyllic setting surrounded by so many amazing and accessible attractions makes it the perfect location."
"The strong support we have received from the Bundaberg Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation has also been very refreshing," he said.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said if it's approved the proposed major development would draw more tourists to the area.
"The proposed Burnett Heads Boat Harbour Marina has potential to create hundreds of jobs for the local community, initially through construction, and ongoing across the retail, food and beverage and service sectors," Mayor Dempsey said.
"It's a further sign of growing private-sector confidence in the Bundaberg Region as an attractive place to live, work and invest."
Jason Pascoe of the Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), said that the development is in keeping with the broader master plan, land use vision and development consistent with planning schemes for the area. "We are very excited to see this project back on the drawing board as it will deliver on transforming an underused resource of the region into a vibrant regional community providing much needed employment for Bundaberg."
Expressions of interest are already being sought for the first 58 marina berths that will be designed to accommodate single and multi-hull vessels up to 27 metres and commercial vessels up to 32 metres. In addition to berthing opportunities, Gateway Marina will also be a hub for a unique blend of maritime and tourism activities.
Water-based development is already approved and harbour dredging is underway.
"This is a considered, staged development and we want the community to share the journey with us," Mr Harvey said.
"As we move through the consent process for the land-based project we are launching an introductory expressions of interest campaign for the first 58 marina berths to be built in the first half of 2019 under an existing approval. Following consent for the land-based project we expect construction to commence immediately on the first of the commercial buildings."
Operations Manager Gary Milne said that environmental considerations have also played a big role throughout the planning process.
"We are committed to sustainable development through criteria of environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and water quality within the marina," said Mr Milne.
"Gateway Marina will be created in line with criteria outlined by the Clean Marina Program with Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) which aligns with the internationally recognised ISO14001 Environmental Management Plan".
"Green technologies for power, rainwater harvesting, and use of recyclable and sustainable materials are all important considerations." Mr Milne said.
Announcement of the new Gateway Marina comes off the back of other recently announced initiatives designed to provide growth to Burnett Heads including the $35M development of a marine industry site being undertaken by Pacific Tug and Bundaberg Regional Council and the $9M Burnett Heads town centre redevelopment which is close to completion.
Those eager to learn more about the project and lodge an interest in leasing a berth or buying real-estate should visit gatewaymarina.com.au for more information.