Development Progress

With the first stages of development having been completed, the construction focus turns to the Premium Waterfront homes and the first Harbourfront Villas.

This will be followed by the Dockside Resort hotel and conference centre, further Harbourfront and Harbourview homes, the retail and commercial centre and then the Horizonview Apartments.

A brief history of the marina:

1987 - Mildura City Council commissions a flood, salinity and traffic management study to assess the site. The results confirm a marina can be built.

Late 1980's - The Victorian Department of Conservation and Environment; the Victorian Department of Water Resources, and the New South Wales Maritime Services Board all endorse the need for a marina at Mildura.

1990 - The Sunraysia Development Corporation (SDC) identifies Mr Peter Marshall as an appropriate person to appraise the site's development potential. Mr Marshall's credentials include extensive marine-related property developments and two terms as President of the Urban Development Institute of Australia-Qld

1991 - Mr Marshall presents an initial development proposal to Council. Formal studies commence.

1992 - Further studies undertaken. Price Waterhouse Urwick prepares a Preliminary Evaluation of the Mildura Marina Development.

The SDC commissions Econsult to prepare a Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Mildura Marina.

Council confirms its commitment to the marina by preparing a site specific amendment to the Mildura City Planning Scheme for a Special use Zone.

1993 - A joint Victorian Environmental Effects Statement-NSW Environmental Impacts Statement is prepared. It includes town planning, engineering, environmental, hydrological, geotechnical, salinity, architectural, social, marketing and financial feasibility studies. Council facilitates the project's progression through regional planning processes.

1996 - EES-EIS completed. Public exhibition begins. Panel assessment hearings begin. Consultative Committee established with representation from Victoria, New South Wales and Federal authorities.

1996 to 2003 - Supplementary studies undertaken. More than 20 Government departments and statutory bodies are involved in the consideration and approvals process.

2003 - Legal and administrative issues assessed including how the land would be acquired, planning scheme amendments and operational plans.

2004 - Mildura Rural City Council releases a riverfront masterplan. The Dockside marina is consistent with its contents.

2005 - Development proposal is further refined.

2006 - Council approves development.

2007 - Formal arrangements put in place. Civil works commence.

2008 - Dockside's marina basin and bridge formally opened on Monday March 10. Thousands attend the Bridge Of Fire family free spectactular with a fireworks display and a John Williamson concert.

2009 - Residential construction begins. Commercial houseboat companies begin full operations from marina. Dockside Marine Centre fully operational with fuel dock and sewerage pump-out facilities. Mid-2009 - first Harbourfront Villas released for sale.