The Fraser Straits Marina proposes to develop new facilities entirely within the boundaries of the Snapper Creek State Boat Harbour in the Norman Point precinct of Tin Can Bay. The State Boat Harbour is managed by Queensland Transport on behalf of the State of Queensland. The development plan includes the reclamation of further land in addition to that which was reclaimed previously to provide a location for the facilities which exist there today. Current lessees at Norman Point include the Barnacles kiosk and Lifestyle Holidays businesses which are owned by the proponents; as well as the Tin Can Bay Coast Guard and the Tin Can Bay Yacht Club. Public facilities include the boat ramps as well as car and boat trailer parking.

STATE BOAT HARBOURS

State Boat Harbours are incorporated into the Environmental Protection Agency's State Coastal Management Plan for Queensland.

The State Coastal Management Plan recognises State Boat Harbours as places where sustainable coastal development and maritime infrastructure should be concentrated.

The Fraser Straits Marina falls within the boundaries of the Snapper Creek State Boat Harbour which was one of the original 15 State Boat Harbours created by the Queensland Government in the 1960's and 1970's to foster small boat activities.

Today there are 11 remaining including Snapper Creek.

Three are controlled by the Port Of Brisbane Authority - Manly, Scarborough and Cabbage Tree Creek.

Five, including Snapper Creek, are controlled by Queensland Transport. The other four are Mooloolaba, Urangan, Rosslyn Bay and Bowen.

Three are controlled by other authorities - Burnett Heads (Bundaberg Port Authority); Ross Creek (Townsville Port Authority); and Port Douglas (Douglas Shire Council).

Of the remaining four, Mackay became a marina harbour; Gladstone became a port; Southport became a complex of marinas; and Johnstone Shire Council purchased the pile moorings at Innisfail.

The development of a second marina in Snapper Creek boat harbour has been recognised in the Wide Bay Integrated Transport Plan 2002-2020.

The preparation of this transport plan involved extensive consultation with business, industry, government and the community in Wide Bay and was released in November 2002.

State boat harbours are defined in the State Coastal Management Plan for Queensland as "areas of state significance" (social and economic) due to their importance to the state.

They are recognised as being a coastal-dependent land use and supporting important social and economic activities including tourism, recreation, fishing and transport as well as providing local employment.

The proposed development which includes development of 250 marina berths and the expansion of coastal-dependent industries, therefore is consistent with the objectives of the Coastal Planning Policy (2001) in the State Coastal Management Plan.