As reported in the Mail, on August 31, an expression of interest has been shown in a berthing facility to accommodate multi-million dollar yachts.

The council has been asked to support a shire recommendation to source funds for a detailed feasibility study incorporating designs and a business case for inclusion in the next financial year.

Marine WA, which prepared the study at the shire’s request, indicated there was a potential market for such a facility and gave an indication of construction costs associated with the concept plan submitted by them.

A concept drawing of a proposed berthing facility that could be constructed in stages was incorporated in the report, which gave broad construction costs, associated with the concept plan, as $7.7 million.

Revenue based on other WA mooring fees was estimated to be more than $200,000 a year and it was also anticipated that those using the facility could spend up to $400,000 annually in the shire.

A berthing facility, for super yachts and commercial and recreational vessels, was in the scope defined in the shire’s request for quotation (RFQ) for a feasibility study, which was issued last November and awarded to Marine WA, which is a not-for-profit organisation based in Perth.

To support super yacht operations it was anticipated that the minimal facilities required a dedicated jetty area and berth that could be accessed by commercial or private sail or motor yachts.

The staff report said the Marine WA report was a high level assessment for a super yacht berthing facility and only provided concepts and high level cost estimates.

If progressed, the next stage would incorporate the development of a detailed feasibility and business case.

It was expected it would cost $60,000 to engage a consultant to prepare them.

If the council was supportive of the development of a super yacht berthing facility, or similar facility, alongside the Busselton Jetty then support in principle could be given to shire officers to progress with sourcing funding for the detailed designs and business case for the 2012-13 financial year.