Study identifies Perth’s future boating facilities.

Compromise will be needed if the metropolitan coastline is to accommodate growing demand for recreational boating facilities, while protecting marine and coastal environments.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today released the draft Perth Recreational Boating Facilities Study.

“Western Australians clearly like boats as there are more than 85,000 registered recreational vessels in WA with about 46,000 of them based in the metropolitan area,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Today there are about 30 boats per thousand people in Perth, compared to 21 only 15 years ago, and the study estimates there will be more than 40 per 1000 people in 2025 when the number of craft will exceed 80,000.

“Not only are boat numbers increasing, their average size is also growing, creating increasing demand for permanent moorings.

“Over the next 20 years, we will need a major increase both in boat ramps and boat pens along the 120km coastline between Two Rocks and Singleton.

“There will have to be compromise if we are to satisfy both the boat owners and those who give coastal protection their highest priority, to ensure we make the best decisions for the future.”

Ms MacTiernan said that the draft study recommendations included:

• maximising the capacity of existing harbours and facilities, including redeveloping Jervoise Bay (Woodman Point) boat launching harbour, more boat pens at Two Rocks, Mindarie, Hillarys and Fremantle boat harbours and increasing moorings at yacht clubs;

• within the next decade, constructing a boat launching harbour near Fremantle, a marina at Mangles Bay (Rockingham) and possibly the Eglinton Marina;

• commencing detailed planning for new facilites to be constructed after 2015, including a new harbour at Ocean Reef and a Hillarys-style boat harbour at Alkimos); and

• increasing the number of boat ramp lanes on the coast from 44 to 76.

“We are continuing to consult with the community on general coastal planning and development issues as well as on specific projects,” the Minister said.

“The draft study is being discussed at two coastal planning seminars which include representatives of the recreational boating sector, community members and other stakeholders.

“We have also begun a survey of 5,000 people, including 2,000 Fremantle residents, selected at random to participate in a survey to test attitudes and preferences towards future development of the Fremantle boat harbours.

“There have been no significant changes to the infrastructure at the boat harbours for more than 20 years, but pressure is building for additional facilities for both recreational and commercial vessels and for people visiting the area.”

Ms MacTiernan said the boating facilities study would contribute to the Perth Coastal Planning Strategy, which would establish guidelines for land use and development along the metropolitan coast.

The draft Perth Recreational Boating Facilities Study and information about the Fremantle Harbours project is available from www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/1131.asp, or by contacting the Department for Planning and Infrastructure on 9216 8295.

Information on the Perth Coastal Planning Strategy is available from http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au/perthcoast