In a divided decision the councillors voted to adopt the harbour master plan at Monday’s meeting with some amendments.

Cr Tony Herbert put forward changes to the original motion, which was supported 4-3, that the master plan be supported “in principle”.

Other adjustments were also made to the original council officers recommendation, with Crs Herbert, Peter Hulin, Sue Cassidy and Robert Anderson voted for approaching local MPs to advocate strongly and immediately on our behalf to the state government for funding of harbour impact studies, business case studies, detailed designs for future harbour improvement works, the associated improvements to the harbour precinct as detailed in the master plan and repairs to the breakwater structure.

Cr Herbert said now was the time to lobby politicians, especially upper house member James Purcell.

“I believe it is important we make strong and immediate advocacy to assist us to gain significant funding for these projects we believe we cannot afford,” he said.

“It may amount to nothing, but we must try. I’m talking about strong advocacy to James and Roma Britnell.”

Cr Sue Cassidy said “in an election year we must use it to our advantage”.

“We want to call ourselves a cosmopolitan city by the sea, so why not use it (the harbour) to the best of our ability,” she said.

Cr Hulin said the reality was “we are in a unique position at the moment with James Purcell”.

“We would be derelict in our duty to as councillors not to capitalise on this position,” he said.

“If we do a harbour impact study it gives us the opportunity to say we may change things.”

Crs Mike Neoh, Kylie Gaston and David Owen did not support the amended motion.

Cr Neoh said the master plan should not be endorsed ‘in principle’ as it would compromise it.

He said that would appear to be “flipping and flopping”.

Cr Owen said “it appears we are putitng a lot of faith in a politician”.

“The words ‘in principle’ scare me a lot,” he said.