UP to 79 vessels will be able to use a new redeveloped marina at Gunnamatta Bay, after the State Government recently approved the plans.

The approval of $1.5 million worth of work, which is part of a proposed $6 million marina redevelopment, includes an upgrade of the present slipway to accommodate boats of up to 20 metres.

Gunnamatta Bay's recreational and commercial boating world would expand with the upgraded facilities, said a spokesman for Planning Minister Kristina Keneally.

The marina redevelopment would retain and build on the existing maritime element in the landscape, the spokesman said.

It includes plans to install a water-recycling system plus drains to minimise water contamination.

"The existing 28-berth facility will, over a six-month period, be redeveloped to accommodate 79 vessels and the 42 existing swing moorings will be removed from Gunnamatta Bay,'' Ms Keneally said.

The removal of the swing moorings will open up a sizeable area within the bay for recreational and commercial purposes, she said.

The approval was music to the ears of the marina's owner, Bob Grounds, who began planning the redevelopment in 1984.

"I'm elated and what people should know is we are not developers, we're a family business and we want to open up Gunnamatta Bay to everyone,'' Mr Grounds said.

"I hope this decision will be a catalyst for Sutherland Shire Council to develop the bay. Everyone since the previous owners [of the marina] in the '60s has tried to do something like we're doing.

"I hope that the council upgrades the public infrastructure to turn the area into a beautiful place for the public.''

Mr Grounds said the council had already approved an upstairs restaurant and a downstairs cafe on the site, which housed the popular Mariner's Cove restaurant until it burned down in 2002.

He said once any outstanding paperwork was completed it was possible that work could start at the beginning of next year.

The total value of the marina redevelopment and the other buildings was $6 million, Mr Grounds said.

Source:  St. George & Sutherland Shire Leader