Media statements and press releases. See also BWA Magazine

1/7/09     New Recreational Fishing Arrangements

28/6/09    Funding approval for urgent river wall repairs

17/6/09     Announcing the latest round of Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) grants

15/5/09     New fees structure for Rottnest Island

15/5/09 Increases to boat registration fees will help provide better facilities for boat owners

23/2/09   Easter Boating Warning

23/2/09   Boating management strategy sets sail
 

10/2/09    Fishos Unite for Vic Fire Appeal - BBQ this Sunday
 

1/2/09    406 MHz EPIRB deadline today

5/1/09    Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grants

6/12/08    New Woodman Point facilities to help ease ramp rage

 New Recreational Fishing Arrangements

Funding approval for urgent river wall repairs

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said urgent repairs to the swan river wall on Mounts Bay Road would start in spring, with the State Government committing $1.9million to the project through the Swan River Trust.

This investment has been supported with further funding from the City of Perth and Main Roads, with an additional $900,000, recently provided by the State Government for the Riverbank Grants Scheme.

Mrs Faragher said public safety, maintenance of adjoining bike paths and road infrastructure was imperative.

“Significant sections of river wall need to be restored along Mounts Bay Road from the Old Swan Brewery to upstream of the Narrows Bridge,” she said.

“Immediate restoration of the river wall downstream of the Old Swan Brewery is critical with sections already collapsing and posing a high risk to public safety.

“The restoration works, due to start in October this year, will contribute to the long-term stability of the river wall and the recreational amenity of the river.

“This particular section is an extremely high-use area and I am pleased to provide a significant funding contribution as part of the 2009-10 State Budget.”

Joint management and maintenance of the river wall became the responsibility of those who have care and control of Crown land on the Riverpark shoreline when the Swan and Canning Rivers Management Act 2006 came into effect in 2007.

The Riverbank Grant Scheme will provide about $900,000 in 2009-10 for local government partnership projects that improve the condition of, and access to, the Swan and Canning shorelines.

Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme

The State Government has approved record funding to improve recreational boating facilities throughout Western Australia.

Announcing the latest round of Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) grants today, Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said $1.7million had been granted to 14 projects - more than double the 2008 allocation.

Mr O'Brien said the record funding allocation demonstrated the Government's commitment to meeting the growing demand for new boating facilities and the continued improvement of existing infrastructure.

"As the RBFS is funded directly from boat registrations, recent fee increases announced in the State Budget would ensure funding levels for boating facilities and services remain high and boat owners get value for money from their fees," the Minister said.

The majority of Round 14 RBFS funding was allocated to projects in the metropolitan area with $450,000 granted to significantly increase trailer parking at the redeveloped Woodman Point Boat Launching Facility; more than $254,000 for the City of Rockingham to upgrade the Point Peron launching ramps; $76,633 to install courtesy moorings in the Upper Swan; $37,500 for a study looking at an upgrade of the Leeuwin boat launching facility; and $22,500 for safety ladders at Ocean Reef Harbour.

The Mid-West region received $390,000 for additional trailer parking and traffic flow improvements at Batavia Marina.

The RBFS, administered by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, calls for  submissions from local governments and other authorities for grants up to a maximum of $500,000 to improve recreational boating facilities around the State.

Mr O'Brien said the scheme fostered strong partnerships between the State, local governments and other authorities which significantly benefit the boating community in WA.

In its 14 rounds $9.3million has been allocated through RBFS to 203 projects throughout WA.

Grants are recommended by the RBFS Assessment Committee, comprising representatives from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure; the WA Local Government Association; WA Tourism Commission; Recfishwest; Jet Sport West Boating Association; Swan River Trust; and Fire and Emergency Services Authority, and approved by the Minister for Transport.

State Budget 2009-10:  New fees structure for Rottnest Island.

The State Government has restructured admission fees for Rottnest Island to reflect a new and fairer approach.

As part of this approach, Tourism Minister Liz Constable also announced that for the first time there would be a discounted fee for families.

Dr Constable said the new fees structure would ensure that the costs of maintaining

Rottnest Island were fairly distributed across all visitors.

The Minister said it would also ensure that the Rottnest Island Authority was properly self-funded and did not need regular hand-outs from the State Government.

“The State Government is strongly of the view that all visitors to the island should pay their fair share,” she said.

“It is entirely appropriate that day-trippers to the island pay a lower admission fee than those visitors on an extended stay.

“The new structure will help offset the costs of infrastructure, facilities and services and protecting the environmental and cultural heritage of the island.”

Dr Constable said the new fees would apply from July 1, 2009, with annual CPI increases for the next five years. She said the changes brought Rottnest Island into line with admission fees charged by many other tourism destinations, such as the Perth Zoo.

The new fees schedule for day visitors:

 Boating facilities to benefit from fee increases.

Increases to boat registration fees will help provide better facilities for Western Australian boat owners.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said increased registration fees were necessary to meet the growing demand for new facilities.

“The number of registered recreational vessels in WA increased by 24.6 per cent to more than 90,000 in the past five years,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Pressure for new facilities will continue to rise with current projections showing there will be a near doubling of boat registrations by 2025.

“Boat owners will be required to make a bigger contribution to the maintenance and construction of facilities through a staged increase in registration fees for all recreational vessels."

The staged implementation of increased registration fees for recreational vessels will see the cost of registering a vessel under five metres increase by $12.70 in 2009-10.

In addition, the recording fee, which applies for all new registrations, transfers of registration and late payments will increase by $10.40 in 2009-10.

The Minister said the majority (nearly 60 per cent) of registered recreational boat owners in WA had a vessel under five metres and faced a minimal total increase in registration fee of $23.10 for the coming year.

He said registration fees for bigger vessels had increased at a greater rate, reflecting the high costs associated with providing facilities for large craft.

“There have been minimal increases in fees and charges for boat owners in the past decade meaning the recreational activity has been subsidised by the broader community,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The move towards a user-pays system will ensure increased revenue to directly fund much needed infrastructure projects such as the provision of new and improved boat launching ramps, installation of navigation aids and continued promotion of boating safety in WA.”

The Minister said there had also been a review of pen fees at State-managed metropolitan boat harbours to reflect current market rates..

There are some important safety tips for operating near reefs:

• position the vessel on the protected side of the reef to avoid being swamped by waves breaking onto the reef;

• ensure that all passengers on the vessel wear a lifejacket because there is a heightened risk of swamping near reefs;

• check navigation charts before venturing near reefs to be better informed of the hazard;

• be aware of changing weather conditions and respond appropriately.

Boating management strategy sets sail
New short-stay swing moorings are being installed at popular river sites to kick-start a boating management strategy for the Swan Canning Riverpark.
The Swan River Trust has spent the past 18 months consulting river users to develop the strategy, which covers issues such as dinghy storage on foreshores, boat wash and noise, launching facilities, and anchoring and riverbed damage.
Swan River Trust acting chairman Jim Freemantle said the new moorings were indicative of the Trust’s commitment to ensuring boaties could continue to enjoy the Riverpark while sharing it equitably with other users.
“Boat registrations have increased by around 25 per cent, from around 70,000 in 2002 to more than 88,000 in 2007, with research showing there is also a trend towards owning larger vessels,” Mr Freemantle said.
“This places increased demand on launching facilities, pens and moorings. It also increases the need for public education, compliance and environmental protection.
“It was clear we needed a ‘road map’ to coordinate boating sustainably into the future, since there is an art to balancing the desires of groups that enjoy the Swan Canning Riverpark.
“Through consultation we believe we have developed the best possible strategy to ensure everyone can still enjoy the benefits of the rivers 50 years from now.
“Forty-one individuals and groups lodged more than 200 comments on the draft strategy early last year during the three-month public comment period, each of which has been carefully considered.”
This month two moorings are being placed on either side of Stirling Bridge in Fremantle, and one each at Mosman Bay, South Perth foreshore near Mends Street jetty, and near Canning Bridge in Applecross.
“We are looking into installing up to 15 more moorings by summer next year, through the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme,” Mr Freemantle said.
“These moorings improve safety and protect the health of the rivers by preventing vessel anchor chains from coming into contact with environmentally sensitive riverbed areas.”
Copies of the strategy are available on the Swan River Trust’s website - www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au, or by contacting the Trust on (08) 9278 0953.

Here are the details of the BBQ I am organising.

This Sun 15th Feb, at 11.30am at Matilda's bay foreshore in Nedlands.
BYO everything including some cash (notes) to donate, $5 to $200,000 all welcome.
It will be at the northern end of the bay near the UWA boat shed - spot number 4

BBQs are available but they are located more at the middle to southern end of the bay.
You can BYO barbies also if you want.

My contact details are below.
Shane Boog,  0458 186 660

 

406 MHz EPIRB deadline today

Skippers who have failed to secure a digital 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Positioning

Indicating Radio Beacon) should only operate within two nautical miles off the WA

coast or in the metropolitan EPIRB exempt area.

Issuing the warning today, Department for Planning and Infrastructure Marine Safety

General Manager David Harrod said satellite receivers for analogue 121.5/243 MHz

EPIRBs had been switched off overnight as decided by international marine authorities

eight years ago.

Mr Harrod said with no satellite processing for 121.5/243 MHz beacons skippers using

them in a distress situation would not be heard.

“It is a requirement for all vessels more than two nautical miles offshore and outside the

EPIRB exempt area off the metropolitan coast to carry a 406 MHz beacon and those

found to be in breach face a $200 fine,” Mr Harrod said.

“More importantly, skippers operating in these areas without a 406 MHz beacon are

risking their safety and that of their passengers.”

Mr Harrod said the need for boat owners to update to the more effective digital 406

MHz beacon had been highlighted in awareness campaigns undertaken at the national

level by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and also at a State level.

“The Department has continuously highlighted the need to update to a 406 MHz

beacon since August 2004 targeting the State's 90,000 boat owners by including

information in registration renewal notices, its Boating Communities newsletter, the

Marine Safety Education Trailer, various other publications and online,” Mr Harrod said.

“Unfortunately, many people did not act when they were informed of the changeover.

“AMSA recently advised the Department 406 MHz beacons are still available. However,

supply and demand issues, which are out of the control of Government, are a factor

and we strongly recommend skippers remain close to the coast until they secure a

406.”

Boat owners are also reminded that all 406 MHz beacons must be registered with

AMSA and must display its registration sticker. While the EPIRB will work without

registration, the response time may be delayed while authorities attempt to obtain more

information and check whether or not the activation is a false alarm.

For more information about EPIRBS or a brochure advising the best type for marine

use visit www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the Department on 9216 8966.

Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grants

Time is running out for authorities to apply for a record $1.7 million in State Government funding to improve facilities for recreational boating in WA.
Department for Planning and Infrastructure Manager of New Coastal Assets Martin
Baird said applications close on April 2, 2009 for round 14 of the successful Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).
Mr Baird said there had been a significant increase in the maximum grant allowed local Government authorities, State Government departments and statutory authorities were
urged to lodge applications as soon as possible.
“Authorities can now apply for a maximum grant of $500,000, an increase of $200,000 on the scheme's previous limit,” Mr Baird said.
“Recreational boaters with an idea for a new facility or thoughts on improvements to an existing one should contact their local authority as soon as possible to discuss their
proposal.
"Authorities are able to apply for up to 75 per cent of the total cost of minor works and planning studies, but funding for major works projects must still be matched dollar for
dollar.”
The RBFS provides funding for new or improved facilities benefiting the State’s growing recreational boating sector.
Mr Baird said boat owners made a direct contribution to the ongoing improvement of facilities because the scheme was funded from boat registration fees.
“The RBFS provides recreational boat owners with access to upgraded ramps, jetties and associated facilities in key locations along the coast and on the State’s many
inland waterways,” he said.

“Boating is an increasingly popular recreational activity in WA and the RBFS assists in providing adequate infrastructure to meet the growing demand for facilities.”
In the ten years since its introduction, the RBFS has seen $7.56 million allocated to 189 projects throughout Western Australia.
Application forms and further information are available at www.dpi.wa.gov.au/rbfs or by contacting the Department on 9216 8917. Applications close on April 2, 2009.
visit our website http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/rbfs for information.

New Woodman Point facilities to help ease ramp rage
 

Recreational boat owners can expect fewer delays launching their vessels at peak times over summer with the doubling of ramp capacity at Woodman Point, one of the busiest facilities in the metropolitan area.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien today opened Stage One of the $2.9million project which has increased the number of launch ramps on site from four to eight and added a floating landing for more efficient boat handling and improved vessel access.

The project is part of a State-wide campaign to reduce waiting times at boat ramps and limit the concerning incidence of ‘ramp rage’.

“A central part of the campaign involves the education of boat owners in good ramp etiquette, which will limit the amount of time each person takes to launch and retrieve their vessel,” Mr O'Brien said.

“Skippers who fail to prepare their vessel for launch before they join the queue often delay others resulting in unnecessary anxiety, frustration and, increasingly, aggression.

“Information about launching ramp etiquette will be sent to Western Australia’s 89,000 registered recreational boat owners, about 90 per cent of whom use boat ramps.”

The Minister said Department for Planning and Infrastructure compliance and education officers would attend busy ramps during summer to offer advice to users and add to the State Government’s commitment to delivering improved facilities for WA’s recreational boat owners.

“Forecast growth in boat ownership has identified demand for another 34 launch ramp lanes across Perth by 2025 - nine south of the river,” he said.

“The four new ramps at Woodman Point deliver nearly half of the forecast requirements for this area and a further two lanes are proposed for Port Kennedy.”

The Minister said future stages of the Woodman Point Recreational Boating Precinct would see the development of a boat stacker facility; refurbishment of the existing four launch ramp lanes; reconstruction of the existing trailer parking area; development of an expanded trailer parking area; and provision of land for commercial lease.

Information about Woodman Point or safe boating, including ramp etiquette, is available at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine

Minister limits recreational lobster take to six

“There will be a similar reduction in the catch limit per boat from 16 lobsters to 12 and we will impose a ban on the use of power winches on recreational boats to prevent the lifting of commercial pots.”

Mr Moore said he would also place a personal possession limit of 24 lobsters per licence holder. This will replace the existing ‘unrestricted’ number of lobsters allowed per licence holder - subject to daily bag and boat limits - and will apply State-wide.

“This restriction will target hoarding and profiteering and help protect vulnerable lobster stocks,” he said.

“Starting next year, we will delay the current November 15 start of the recreational rock lobster season in zone C (which extends from Jurien Bay to Augusta and is where 80 per cent of recreational lobster fishing occurs) to coincide with the November 25 start of the commercial lobster fishing season.