A THREE-YEAR saga over three licences at Mordialloc Creek has reached a compromise of sorts.
On Monday evening Kingston councillors decided to split three licences currently held by the Pompei family estate between Leon Pompei, son of the legendary “Mr Mordialloc” Jack Pompei, the Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club and council.
Council had sought expressions of interest in three leases on Crown land along Mordialloc Creek at Pompei Bridge held by the Pompei’s family estate.
Last month The News revealed three parties had made applications to apply for the licences.
Councillors decided to offer Leon Pompei a three-year licence for his business Pompei’s Marine Pty Ltd at a slipway and boat maintenance area.
There had been fears Mr Pompei would be forced to vacate the area.
A three-year licence for a boat ramp will be offered to the Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club.
Each licence fee will be charged at a peppercorn rate of $104 per annum. The third licence for a boat moorings area will be held by council.
The boat ramp used by Pompei’s of Mordialloc, owned by Joe Pompei, Jack’s brother, and Leon Pompei will be leased to the Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club.
“[It] should provide a greater level of access to the creek for those people wishing to access it at that point,” Cr Gledhill said.
“The moorings will be retained by council and managed as we manage the rest of the moorings in the creek.”
Leon Pompei said he “had to digest it” when contacted by The News on Tuesday.
“I don’t really know any detail at this stage,” he said. “I’ll give it to my lawyers and will seek advice.”
Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club president David Flew said he knew there had been “a decision in general terms” and awaited written information from council.
Councillors discussed the expressions of interest behind closed doors on Monday evening after the public council meeting.
Mr Pompei had submitted a proposal to offer boat building and maintenance training at the creek in partnership with the Boating Industry Association of Victoria.
A third expression of interest to sell fresh fish to the public was submitted by Fisherman Direct Pty Ltd.
A council officers’ report stated: “The proponent provided limited financial information to support the proposed undertaking.”
“Everything we’re trying to do [at Mordialloc Creek] is underpinned by [council’s] Pride of the Bay masterplan,” Cr Gledhill said.
