The 'Narnu Waterways' proposal comprises a residential canal estate, with in excess of 1,000 predominantly waterfront allotments (with a range of mixed densities and provision for private moorings for boats), an ‘active retirement’ village, a commercial precinct (including a tavern, restaurant and convenience store), and a vacuum sewer system to treat waste from existing holiday housing and the proposed development.

The proposal is sited on land on the north western side of Hindmarsh Island. The site is nearby to the approved and substantially constructed 'The Marina Hindmarsh Island' development to the south of Randell Road.

The development proposal was declared a proposed Major Development by the State Government in December. This triggers a thorough assessment process with multiple opportunities for public comment before any decision is made on whether the proposal can proceed or not.

The Major Developments Panel - an independent statutory authority - will determine what level of detailed environmental assessment the proposal will require, either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a Public Environmental Report (PER), or a Development Report (DR).

The first stage of that process is the release by the Panel of the Issues Paper for four weeks of public comment (from 10 July 2006 to Friday 4 August 2006). After considering the comments received in response to the Issues Paper, the Panel will then publicly issue formal Guidelines to the proponent as to what level of assessment is required, and what issues that assessment should address. The public then has another opportunity to comment after that assessment documentation is completed and released.

The Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage has also determined that the proposal is a controlled action under Section 75 of the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The controlling provisions relate to wetlands of international importance (Sections 16 & 17B), listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 & 18A) and listed migratory species (Sections 20 & 20A). It is intended that the Australian Government accredit the South Australian Major Developments process for the purposes of assessment.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 July 2006 )