Marina protest 'too much'

by Britany Fenwick, 13 April 2011

Protestors are being accused by locals of going too far with their fight against a marina being built at Point Peron, in Rockingham.

Protestors are holding regular meetings, sending letters to the council and newspapers trying to prevent the proposed marina.

“The only thing that wins is people power,” says protestor Susan Di Mambro.

As a result, hundreds of people have gathered to rally and protest against the proposal.

“Its going to cost everyone else money so rich people can park their boats,” says Ms Di Mambro.

Protestors are arguing that Point Peron was declared a ‘bush land forever’ site and it should be kept that way out of respect.

“We are not against development,” she says.

“We’re fighting for a bush forever site.”

The loss of Seagrass has also upset many people who say once it is destroyed it does not grow back.

This marina will indirectly destroy and estimate of five hectares of Seagrass, protestors claim.

It will directly destroy an estimated one hectare of Seagrass, which can never again be replaced, they say.

Locals agree, however, that a marina would be a positive move for the city of Rockingham, and would help in progressing forward instead of staying still.

“Progress and expanding doesn’t have to mean destruction, we have to expand to progress,” says local boat owner Roslyn McAulloy.

Locals are arguing that protestors have gone too far, saying the bush land they are trying to protect will probably be destroyed due to natural causes.

“The fact that someone with a boat has to go to Fremantle or Mandurah for fuel is silly,” says Ms McAulloy.

“There is nothing here to service a boat.

“Point Peron is not a place where people can walk.

“There definitely should be a Marina.

“We are a boating community.”

Locals are sick of the protesting and agree that development is needed.

“Nothing is forever, progress and change doesn’t mean it’s bad,” says Ms  McAulley.

The council has not decided whether this development is going to go through yet or not.

“No matter what you do or where you do it there is always an argument of why it can’t be done,” says Roslyn McAulley.