Coorong Quays Residential Marina - Hindmarsh Island

Background

The development of a marina facility, recreational boating services and waterfront housing on Hindmarsh Island commenced in the early 1980s. A small marina basin with moorings, a tavern and several residential apartments were first constructed and plans for an expansion of the marina and boating facilities, boating related retail opportunities, tourist accommodation and a large residential land-division were proposed, assessed and approved over the next decade. The expansion plans also included a proposed bridge to link the island with the mainland at Goolwa.

The bridge was an essential component of the project to enable safe and efficient access to the island.  In the mid-1990s, work on the bridge was delayed due to Aboriginal Heritage concerns (and subsequent court proceedings and a Royal Commission), with construction of the bridge not completed until 2001, which then allowed the residential marina development to proceed. The proponent was previously the company Binalong Pty Ltd and then Kebaro Pty Ltd (trading as ‘The Marina Hindmarsh Island’).  The proponent is now the Aspen Group Ltd (trading as ‘Coorong Quays’).

Assessment of Variations

The original assessment and approval of the development recognised both the complex assessment matters to be considered and the long-term delivery of the project through various stages over time (and that variations would be required in response to market trends and demand). The progressive development of ‘Coorong Quays’ is guided by an approved ‘Masterplan’ that identifies the location and general layout of each component of the development. Construction cannot commence on each component until further detailed designs, plans and documentation has been approved. The State retains responsibility for assessing changes to the layout (including the division of land), whilst new dwellings and other buildings are lodged with and determined by the Coorong Council.

A substantial variation was approved in 2000 for a range of changes (primarily a new staging plan and redesign of the waterfront residential subdivision). In 2005 a further variation was granted for a range of design changes related to an expansion of the ‘Country Living Estate’, addition of three storey apartment building, redefining the retirement village as an ‘Active Aged Community Facility’, additional boat repair / construction facilities in the ‘Marine Precinct’ and the Yacht Club building. In 2008 conceptual designs for a Hotel and Convention Centre were approved and in 2017 a Caravan Park was added to the Masterplan. In recent years, the Aspen Group have also sought to revise the Masterplan, with a view to completing the development, including the identification of additional residential sites (and the Caravan Park), and to expand the Aged Care Facility.

Assessment stages and documentation