Superyacht marina development planned for Sydney

Following news of a development application, Berrys Bay in Sydney could see a new superyacht marina development built, if Australian officials approve the plans. 

Berrys Bay Marina Company Pty Ltd submitted the plans in July for an AUS$20 million marina development, which will enable the bay to accommodate luxury superyachts up to 45 metres across 34 new berths. There will also be a yacht club to provide supporting amenities to the development.

An initial proposal for the site was first submitted in 2009, and has since been revised and developed following a further consultation in 2013. Parts of the proposed site, which is on the Waverton Peninsula, are derelict and are currently not open to the public, but the development has been contested by local residents, who claim that the development is out of ‘character and scale’ with the local area, with some concerned the superyachts will block views of the city skyline. 

The managing director of Berrys Bay Marina Company Pty Ltd has reportedly told local press that the proposal is for a ‘low-key development’ when compared to others already in Sydney.

Berrys Bay is not the only area in Sydney which has been marked for marine development, as Spit Marina is currently undergoing expansion to attract superyachts. Similarly, Port Douglas Marina in Queensland is also under construction to equip it to cater to these large vessels under the Australian government’s initiative to make the country more accessible to superyachts.

Australia is also now offering temporary superyacht licenses to foreign yachts to help increase numbers.