He acknowledged the assistance of economic development organisation Priority One in planning for the precinct and the collaboration with the private sector.
A key element of the council's $5.4m share of the project - land sales and leases within the precinct and across the road - had been successful.
Mr Crosby said the councils wanted to create an environment where skills could be developed and trades people brought back to Tauranga.
The Marine Precinct has moved into the implementation phase, with the work being driven by the newly-appointed project manager Phil Wardale.
Mr Leeder said the precinct was expected to bring in extra revenue of $24m to $25m a year and 130 full-time jobs by 2022-23.
He said it was a laudable project that fitted strategies for the harbour and the port including the Bay Connections economic development strategy. Mr Leeder said he wanted to see concrete starting to be poured on the site sooner rather than later.
Sean Kelly of Western Work Boats spoke about the importance of the precinct in keeping his rapidly growing business based in Tauranga.