SYDNEY, 28 JANUARY 2020
The new boat harbour at Shell Cove will feature specially crafted fish habitats made of re-used construction materials to foster marine life and encourage a healthy ecosystem in the stunning coastal environment.
The initiative from the developers behind The Waterfront, Shell Cove, Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia, will enable Shellharbour Marina to obtain Fish Friendly Marina Certification as part of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) International Clean Marina Program, which recognises the highest level of environmental standards.
“The new fish habitats to be placed in Shell Cove’s new boat harbour will encourage fish to live within the middle of the harbour, where habitats are usually limited. They will complement the opportunities for marine life to create a home around the perimeter of the harbour on the rock walls, as well as on the piles and pontoons,” says Shellharbour Mayor Councillor Marianne Saliba.
“Over time the structures will be covered in marine growth, as happens to old sunken boats in the ocean. This can contribute to the ecological food chain,” Ms Saliba says.
“We are in a unique position to have such beautiful waterways in our region and we want to celebrate that.
"By participating in the MIA’s Clean Marina Program and Global Gold Anchor Scheme, we will be able to benchmark ourselves against other marinas and ensure that we are celebrating the natural beauty of Shell Cove in a way that resonates with our marina customers and local residents, in addition to enhancing the marine environment.”
Simone Dyer, Development Director, Frasers Property Australia says: “The new fish habitats represents creative and sustainable use of construction materials from the adjacent Shellharbour Marina. With the harbour soon to be filled, it made sense to work with Council to lay this framework now.
“By carving a series of holes in stormwater pipes that would otherwise go to waste, and selectively placing large rocks to hold everything in place, the idea is for marine life to grow on the pipes over time when the harbour is filled.
“Fish can move in and around, smaller fish can enter and hide, and gradually the habitats become more diverse and interesting to marine life, creating a healthier ecosystem,” Ms Dyer says.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres.
A focal point of the new community will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. A hotel will be positioned adjacent to a waterfront tavern, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.
The Waterfront Sales Centre is in The Waterfront Town Centre at Shops 1 and 2, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove. It is open seven days from 10.30am to 5pm. Call 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au for more information.