A battle is brewing over the Warrnambool harbour precinct development.
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Warrnambool City Council mayor Robert Anderson said earlier this week the draft port of Warrnambool masterplan including a safe boat ramp and an upgrade to the area, would soon be released for comment.
However, some councillors want further investigations into the upgrade options.
Councillor Sue Cassidy said she would like to see studies done on the impact of a fully-enclosed harbour.
“Why not get the scientific testing done, and then we will know,” she said.
“We definitely do need the safer launching facilities, but that doesn't mean the end result couldn’t be an enclosed harbour. It’s a guessing game until we explore it.”
Cr Cassidy said there was more than just economic benefits with an enclosed harbour.
She said swimming nets could be put up, yachts with travellers could moor, and the community could use the precinct more, improving overall health and well-being.
“There’s more than just the fishing side of it,” she said.
Councillor Peter Hulin said all options had to be explored.
“If we can get substantial money from the state government we would be derelict in our duty not to explore it,” he said.
“We had four councillors who have done preliminary investigations into obtaining funding and we were surprised and excited on what was potentially possible. However, we have to be completely comfortable with any environmental impacts on what we do.”