Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the Department of Transport would operate the marina for six months after Yanchep Sun City’s lease expired last Sunday.
Speaking at Sun City Yacht Club’s 40th open day, which coincided with the end of the lease on November 9, commodore John Utley said the club hoped to remain at the marina.
‘We are looking forward to some really constructive dialogue with the Department of Transport over the next few months,’ he said.
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READ NOWMr Utley told the Weekender the club had been on a month-by-month lease arrangement and hoped for more certainty in the longer term.
‘It’s a foggy phase at the moment,’ he said. ‘Whatever happens, we hope and expect to be integral to the future of the marina.
‘We hope to be here for another 40 years.’
The commodore said the volunteer-driven sailing club provided a service to the community.
‘Our motivation is really about our families sailing and the community being involved,’ he said.
Mr Nalder said the EOI would provide a ‘fair and transparent’ process for State Government to present a significant opportunity to the open market.
‘The Department of Transport (DoT) will call for EOIs for the operation of the marina for a period of up to five years,’ he said.
‘DoT will assume short-term operational management of the facility from November 10 for about six months while the EOI process is progressed.
‘The interim management arrangement will allow time for DoT to explore a long-term vision for an expanded and upgraded regional facility at the site.
‘As part of this process, DoT will be consulting with community and stakeholders on various options.
‘The changeover should not interrupt user access or amenity.’
The minister’s November 7 statement said the department would contact penholders and tenants to formalise short-term management and tenure arrangements.