One word - marina - and a kneejerk reaction
There's something about marinas, I don't know what, that sets off some people like a faulty alarm clock. 
'Beaumaris Yacht Squadron Club House'
John
Firth
The latest 'tirade' has been directed at the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron on Melbourne's bayside.
According to one Mr Geoffery Goode, described as " a spokesman for the Beaumaris Conservation Society', the squadron's plan for a $21 million development for a new clubhouse, marina and dry boat storage would make Beaumaris "look like an industrial area and degrade it for the community."
Mr Goode says the proposal has the potential to 'change the face of Beaumaris, including the appearance of its shoreline.'
He told local newspaper, the Bayside Leader, that the proposal would also cause intrusion upon an internationally significant fossil site within the recreation zone.
Squadron Commodore Peter Barnes flatly denied the proposal would have any effect on the environment.
"The entire proposal is in its very early stages and whether it goes ahead will be up to members when it is eventually put to the membership for their decision," he explained.
Money for the project would be raised through the sale of berths on the new marina facility, with wet berths prices from $95,000 and dry storage stands from $55,000.
At this stage, it would appear Mr Goode and his conservation society friends have jumped the gun somewhat.
Bayside Council official Mr Michael Top said no application for the proposal had yet been presented to council
"Should the squadron present such a proposal to council it will be considered in the usual fashion, he added. 
The Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron was formed on the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay in 1959.
Superbly situated and nestling into a cliff face abut half-way between Ricketts Point and popular Mentone Beach, the squadron's club house was extensively re-built to the tune of one million dollars-plus in 2002.
It is not visible from the road and features a design to blend in with the natural landscape.
As Peter Barnes points out, the squadron's charter is to promote the sport of boating and to create a social environment where boating activities are involved.
The squadron takes pride in being 'environmentally responsible' and actively lobbies for responsible fishing and specifically designs its competitions so that they discourage needless catch.
Members enjoy some excellent facilities, with two double boat ramps, one south facing the other east to cater for varying weather conditions, a functional fish cleaning facility, boat washing area, barbecue and parking areas. 
'On Deck' a monthly magazine listing all forthcoming events as well as general squadron news is regularly mailed to members.
Within the squadron's clubhouse, members and guests enjoy uninterrupted views over Port Phillip Bay from the glass enclosed bar and restaurant, where social events and celebrations are a regular occurrence.
The squadron has already had a number of marina designers examine the site, but as Commodore Barnes say, plenty of work remains to be done.
If the squadron's long-term plan reached fruition I'd be prepared to bet it will be a well-designed, environmentally sensible facility.
Location
Foreshore Beaumaris 3193 Vic Australia
Postal Address
PO Box 45 Black Rock 3193
Contact Number
Tel: (03) 9589 5156
Fax: (03) 9589 2019
Email - [email protected]
PS If anyone can tell me how a marina can "make an area look like an industrial site" I'd be happy to hear from them.
by Bob Wonders
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