The New South Wales Government has announced plans for a new $300 million marina at Homebush Bay.

The marina is expected to have facilities for building and repairing boats. (file photo) (ABC Local: Sailability)

The 18 hectare site has 900 metres of waterfront access to Parramatta River and Homebush Bay.

It is expected to include boat storage, facilities for building and repairing boats, clubhouses and a possible maritime studies centre.

The Government says its construction would create more than 500 jobs, and would be the largest maritime development in the state.

A master plan for the site was approved in 2005 but a radio antenna leased by radio 2GB had prevented it from going ahead. The lease expired last year.

Ports Minister Joe Tripodi says he expects the first stage of construction to begin in 2012.

He says the Government now wants to hear from companies with the interest and expertise to develop the project.

“At the moment we’re looking at capabilities, have you done this anywhere else in the world, have you done it anywhere else in Australia,” he said.

Surprise announcement

The mayor of Auburn City Council says she is surprised that the Government has announced the plans today.

Irene Simpson has told ABC local radio that she supports the plan – but she was not expecting the announcement quite so soon.

“Staff met with the department of planning and maritime yesterday and were told at that stage – as of yesterday – as far as we know that it was just a concept,” she said,

“So it’s just a little surprising that it’s jumped from preliminary concept plans to a big announcement today.”