Randwick Council on Tuesday 28 August opposed state government plans to investigate Yarra Bay and Molineaux Point as possible locations for a third cruise ship terminal in Sydney, Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey announced today.

“Our community has made it clear to us that they do not want this terminal built in Port Botany,” said Mayor Shurey. “It’s vital that we protect the beaches, green spaces and open areas at Yarra Bay so that they remain available to our community.

“The introduction of a cruise ship terminal places these assets at serious risk of degradation and would introduce further issues of traffic congestion, environmental destruction and land-use pressures. We need to stand firm to protect this area and its significant local heritage.”

Council is calling for the State Government to release all documents related to the proposal in order to ensure the community is fully informed. Currently, the only information to be released about the suitability of the two sites is two paragraphs in a 28-page document called Cruise Development Plan.

“The State Government needs to be more open with their plans and what they may entail. Currently it’s not clear where the wharves would be built, the infrastructure required or how transport and logistics would connect. This is information that needs to be known and debated in the public sphere.

“We encourage the NSW Government to keep the community informed, to fully engage with them throughout the process and listen to their concerns.”

Council will take steps to place both Yarra Bay and Molineaux Point on the state’s heritage list in a bid to halt developments in those areas, following a motion submitted by Cr Danny Said.

“We will be engaging with the State Government to encourage them to seek alternative locations for a terminal as we firmly believe that neither Yarra Bay nor Molineaux Point are appropriate or fit for purpose.”