marina expansion Archives - Hunters Hill News

A proposal to expand Woolwich Marina in Hunters Hill has been refused after authorities found the development would result in unacceptable visual and heritage impacts on surrounding foreshore areas.

Planning History And Site Background

The Woolwich Marina proposal involved alterations and additions at 2C Margaret Street, Woolwich, with the aim of increasing berthing capacity from 45 to 79 vessels. The development application was refused by the Sydney North Planning Panel in February 2024.

Following that decision, the applicant appealed to the NSW Land and Environment Court, triggering extended legal proceedings involving local objectors.

Kelly’s Bush Park, immediately north of the marina site, is listed on the State Heritage Register and is recognised as the site of Australia’s first Green Ban in 1971.

Woolwich Marina — *Photo Credit: Hunters Hill Council*

Court Ruling And Findings

On 19 December 2025, the Land and Environment Court dismissed the appeal, confirming that development consent could not be granted. The ruling found the proposal would significantly diminish views from publicly accessible foreshore locations.

The authorities determined that these visual impacts were closely linked to heritage impacts, particularly affecting views from Kelly’s Bush Park and towards nearby harbour islands.

marina expansion — *Photo Credit: Hunters Hill Council*

Amended Proposal Assessment

During the appeal, amended plans were submitted that reduced the marina footprint, altered the layout, limited vessel lengths to 25 metres and introduced additional public facilities.

The amended proposal was placed on public exhibition in mid-2025, with submissions closing on 27 June 2025. Further heritage-related documentation was submitted in July 2025. The authorities found the changes did not adequately address the identified impacts.

harbour views — *Photo Credit: Hunters Hill Council*

Community Response

Community groups welcomed the decision but have expressed concern that further development proposals could be pursued in the future. The legal process has also placed financial strain on those involved in opposing the application.

Outlook

The refusal confirms that the existing Woolwich Marina approval remains unchanged. Any future proposal would require a new assessment process.

The decision represents a definitive outcome for the current application in Hunters Hill, with visual and heritage considerations remaining central to future planning outcomes.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Locals in Hunters Hill are standing together to protect Kellys Bush as plans to expand Woolwich Marina threaten one of Sydney’s most treasured public spaces.

Final Court Decision Pending

Plans to expand Woolwich Marina have faced strong opposition from Hunters Hill residents, who fear the $8.5 million project will damage a valued public foreshore. The dispute focuses on Kellys Bush, a site linked to the 1970s Green Bans movement. The NSW Land and Environment Court is reviewing the case after previous rejections by local planning bodies.

Developer Chan Hoi Li aims to increase berths from 45 to 79 for larger boats. Despite revised plans reducing vessel size and marina area, residents remain worried about safety, visual impact, and loss of access.

Community Groups Lead Opposition

Local groups such as Save Our Shores, the Hunters Hill Trust, and Friends of Kellys Bush have joined residents in opposing the marina expansion. They say it would turn a public foreshore into a commercial zone for wealthy yacht owners.

Campaigner Tim Ross warned it would narrow harbour access and disrupt recreation near the Hunters Hill Sailing Club. Community spokeswoman Beverley Bennett said residents crowd-funded the legal fight to defend public space. Parents like Jennifer Edwards argue the area should remain open to all Sydneysiders.

Council’s Costly Legal Battle

Hunters Hill Council has poured more than $378,000 into defending its rejection of the Woolwich Marina expansion. Officials say the fight is about more than money, calling it a stand for heritage and public access on Sydney Harbour.

Many residents back the council’s stance, describing it as a test of how far communities will go to protect shared spaces. The proposal also raised red flags over nearby heritage sites and the ecological importance of Kellys Bush.

Balancing Growth and Heritage

The Woolwich Marina dispute has become a test of how Sydney balances growth with cultural and environmental preservation. Supporters say the upgrade would meet rising demand for larger berths, but locals argue it threatens community identity and access.

Kellys Bush remains untouched as the court weighs the developer’s appeal. Its outcome could shape the future of similar projects across Sydney Harbour.

Published 6-October-2025

Tag: marina expansion

Woolwich Marina Expansion Blocked In Hunters Hill