Construction of a $120 million marina at Ocean Reef in Perth’s northern suburbs could start next year after WA’s environment watchdog gave the project the all clear.

The Environmental Protection Authority said yesterday that the marina proposal was acceptable provided it went ahead with strict conditions, including measures to minimise any effects on nearby beaches and improving the quality of reefs in Marmion marine park as an offset.

A key pledge by the State Government in the run-up to the 2017 State election, the marina would involve building two new breakwaters and the creation of 750 boat pens.

The proposal has been put forward by LandCorp, the Government’s development arm, with $96 million allocated in the State Budget including $4.5 million this financial year.

“Central to the EPA’s assessment were the environmental values of the Marmion Marine Park, particularly the loss of sensitive reef habitats that support diverse marine life and abalone,” EPA chairman Tom Hatton said.

“We found if the Ocean Reef Marina was implemented with proper management and monitoring plans in place, the environmental values of the marine park could be protected and there would be no adverse impacts on the water quality outside the marina.”