The design plan has been posted at the Callala Bay shopping centre and BHI Architects Nowra senior director, Colin Irwin, described the project as “hugely exciting”.

“The key principal here is that we are aiming at a world class facility,” Mr Irwin said.

“We see this as a NSW Government initiative as far as funding is concerned.”

He said a key campaigner, Derek Hancock, had been told the government was keen to learn more about the proposal.

The plan includes an international standard 500-berth marina and a berthing facility for cruise ships on the eastern side of the marina where there is sufficient water depth.

It would also be a base for water taxis transporting people to other parts of Jervis Bay.

Most of the facility could be within the intertidal zone removing the need for acquisition of any land.

Fishing charters, restaurants, cafes, accommodation and tourist information are touted as possible features at the marina.

Mr Irwin said the development would proceed in stages.

“Our overall vision is that the project is completed by 2020, but it would be progressively operational before then,” he said.

BHI has been involved in several marina projects.

Mr Irwin agreed this was a big-scale proposal and said ideas of such vision “have to start somewhere”.

Callala Bay is considered to be the ideal naturally suitable location for a marina of this type.

Among other possibilities is the creation of a fast ferry service to Sydney including stopover ports at Kiama, Wollongong, Brighton Le Sands and Sydney Harbour.

Jervis Bay is the only safe harbour for sheltering from all adverse conditions 24 hours a day between Botany Bay and Port Melbourne.

Callala Bay is the only area within Jervis Bay that is generally free of naval activity so associated activities at a marina would not interfere with the Navy.

Resident and marina campaigner Derek Hancock said from a sailor’s point of view there was not a better location.

He said Callala Bay should have a marina.

“It’s the perfect location. It’s unique in that it offers deep water and can be accessed any time of the year, day or night,” Mr Hancock said.

He said Shoalhaven City Council had adopted a motion that Callala Bay be included as a proposed marina site.

The Shoalhaven Business and Growth Committee provided $10,000 to engage a consultant to start the process.

Jervis Bay Marine Park manager Matt Carr said any proposal for a marina would be assessed under the Marine Parks Act, which detailed the requirements for development in marine parks.

“The Marine Parks Authority supports the establishment of environmentally sustainable boating facilities, moorings, vessel hard stands, effluent pump-out facilities and refuelling facilities,” Mr Carr said.