Developers ‘ecstatic’ as marina project moves a step closer

PROPONENTS of the $14 million Mildura Marina hotel, convention centre and apartment precinct say they are “ecstatic” that councillors have paved the way for the proposal to become reality.

However, applicant Roy Costa, from Roy Costa Planning and Development, said the 47 conditions imposed on the development would need to be considered before the next course of action is determined.

“The land has been vacant and an eyesore for nearly 20 years so we’re ecstatic that council has supported the development,” Mr Costa said.

“We have had vast feedback from the community. Everybody wants it developed and everyone wants the marina developed and this is definitely a step forward and the developers are ready to proceed,” he said.

Mr Costa said comments by Cr Jodi Reynolds that she didn’t want to be looking at a “concrete eyesore” were “very disappointing”.

“You have John Kelly who is a major developer in the region and everything that he has developed is of a very, very high standard,” he said.

“He will ensure that that entrance into Victoria from New South Wales will be an icon development.

“In addition, you have GSD Architects who have been designing major developments all over Victoria of a very high standard that will also ensure that the entrance into Victoria is of a very high standard.

“To say that it won’t be, by a councillor, is very disappointing.”

Mr Costa said he would meet with the developer and architect in the next week to consider their position on the conditions imposed on the development by council.

“We will sit down next week and go through the conditions and determine whether we need to go to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal), lodge an amendment to those conditions with council or abide by them,” he said.