2022-11-08 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 8 NOVEMBER 2022


•     2016: 13 vessels moored within the lease area
•     2017: 22 vessels moored within the lease area
•     2018: 27 vessels (4 outside of lease area)
•     2019: 25 vessels (3 outside lease area)
•     April 2020: 3:20pm 30 vessels (4 outside lease area)
•     May 2021: 24 vessels (1 outside lease area)
•     September 2021 11.30am: 25 vessels (3 outside lease area)
•     November 2021 10:38am: 18 vessels moored within lease area
•     June 2022 11:53am: 22 vessels (5 outside lease area)
•     August 2022 10:20am: 22 vessels (3 outside lease area)
•     September 2022: 16 vessels (1 outside lease area)
Whilst it’s acknowledged that the aerial photography provides for a snapshot at a particular point
in time it is noted that up to 30 vessels have been moored at the existing facility and that vessels
are frequently located outside of the lease area. Based on the historical aerials the proposed
mooring of 31 vessels is consistent with the existing use of the site.
The applicant advises that there is no immediate plan to increase the number of vessels beyond
31 vessels. However, the applicant indicated there may be a need to increase the number of
vessels in the future. This may result in an increase in the overall scale and intensity of commercial
operations which is contrary to PO22 d).
The applicant advises:
There also may be a time when the business owner wishes to change the type or size of vessels
in the business eg replacing two barbeque boats with three round family cruise-type boats. This
change does not mean that the use has intensified – merely diversified to new options available in
boat hire and requests from the public. As long as the vessels are still moored within the boundaries
of the seabed lease the use is compliant.
Based on the applicant’s advice, the business intends to diversify where necessary and this is not
unique for any business. While it is acknowledged that an increase of 1 vessel on site may not be
viewed as an increase in the intensity and scale of the use on site, an increase of vessel numbers
due to customer demand over time may result an increase in the intensity and scale of the use on
site. It is noted that there has been an issue with vessels situated outside of the lease area whilst
the current proposal seeks to maximise the number of boats moored within the lease area.
Therefore, it is considered appropriate to condition the number of boats based on existing business
operations.
Therefore, for the proposal to comply with PO22 d) of the code, it is recommended to include a
condition to limit the number of vessels of 31, which the applicant advises is the number of existing
vessels on site. This will ensure that there is no scope for the scale and intensity of the operations
to increase. The additional pontoons will ensure all boats are moored in an orderly fashion which
will improve the existing situation. All activities occur within the lease area.
With regard to amenity, the applicant provided a visual analysis. The applicant has offered the
following comments:
(i)    The existing fixed jetty head remains at the one level during all tidal changes with it being
       most noticeable at lower tides given the distance above the water level. The pontoon
       replacement will keep a low and sleek profile to the River at all stages of the tide.
       No net change to the pile number will occur on the right hand side of the proposed works.
       There are currently two piles supporting the pontoon on the right hand side of the jetty head.
       This pontoon and its piles will be removed and replaced with two new piles and a pontoon.

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