CONSTRUCTION of the new Wyndham Harbour will not begin for at least another eight months.

The $440 million development was given final planning approval for stage one at a council meeting last week.

But developer Prudentia Investments told Star the project had been expected to start in the second half of 2008.

Plans given the green light included major earthworks, marine infrastructure, staged land subdivision and road upgrades.

The construction is expected to generate about 322 local jobs over the five-year building period.

But Councillor Cynthia Manson said residents were doubt-ful about whether the marina would be built.

“People are not sure whether it is going ahead,” she said. “They are waiting for the first stone to be turned.

“There was a similar plan that came up in the 1970s and people have been waiting.”

Councillor Henry Barlow said the marina was a long time coming.

“The developers finally have the permit so we can start work,” he said. “It’s taken 20 years to get to this stage and it has not been an easy road to travel.

“I would not give up the idea that this development might bring natural gas into Werribee South which would be an absolute bonus for the Werribee South farmers. You get one crack at something like this and this is it.”

Prudentia Investments’ managing director Angus Reed said the approval of stage one was a major landmark for the development.

“Prudentia Investments has completed several key components of the approval process for the Wyndham Harbour development,” Mr Reed said. “We are delighted that Wyndham City Council has recognised the efforts made by Prudentia Investments to ensure Wyndham Harbour meets all the criteria for a sustainable world class development.”

Wyndham mayor Kim McAliney said the council had been working closely with the developer to ensure the project met social and environmental expectations.

The project on the Werribee South foreshore includes a marina with capacity for 1000 wet berths and the Central Quay featuring apartments, marina club, shops, restaurants and public open space.

Two community beaches are also proposed.

“Wyndham Harbour will provide residents with a unique social space on the Werribee South waterfront, incorporating a number of facilities and services that are not available elsewhere in Wyndham,” Cr McAliney said.

But an Environmental Management Plan must be submitted to the council before works start.

For further information on the Wyndham Harbour, visit www.wyndhamharbour.com.au.