Boating Western Australia Inc

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Mission Statement
BoatingWA is a non profit association, established for the promotion and development of safe, economic and enjoyable recreational boating through Western Australia.

BoatingWA
PO Box 1080
Claremont  6910
Western Australia

FAX and Voice
08 93353296

e-mail; secretary@boatingwa.com.au

Office
1 Capo D'Orlando Drive
Fremantle, Western Australia, 6160

Media statements and press releases. See also BWA Magazine
 

01/09/08    2008 Club Marine Mandurah Boat Show

30/7/08    Public to comment on the future of Rottnest Island

29/5/08    Rous head proposed marina

9/05/08    RBFS funding for Pilbara boating facilities

9/05/08    Good times ahead for recreational boaters in the South-West

9/05/08    New facility a boat owner's best friend

8/05/08    Exmouth Harbour development

8/04/08    New DOME cafe for Rottnest

1/04/08    Skippers need safety ticket from today

16/02/08    New marine headquarters for Geographe Bay

31/01/08    Woodman Point boating facilities

27/11/07    DPI addresses confusion over EPIRBs

23/10/07    New era for Rottnest Island as confidence hits new highs

18/10/07    Visions unveiled for public comment on Fremantle boat harbours

16/10/07    Red Bull Air Race: Swan River access restricted

Rottnest Island Management Plan 2009 to 2014

Western Australians are invited to have a say on the future of their favourite holiday island, Rottnest Island.

a new five-year plan was being developed to guide the management of the island and its facilities.

“Visitor numbers are at an all time high, with nearly 354,000 people visiting the island by ferry in the past 12 months, an increase of 5.5 per cent on the previous year.

“Business confidence is also high with about $70 million in private investment committed or in the pipeline.

“We want to hear what Western Australians would like to see in the way of accommodation, visitor services and, importantly, conservation of the island’s environment and heritage.”

Rottnest Island Authority chair Laurie O’Meara said the public would have two opportunities to get involved in the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2009 to 2014.

The first stage involved inviting comment from stakeholders and the wider community into the early planning stages.  The second stage would be the release for public comment of a draft plan in early 2009.

Stage one submission forms can be downloaded from http://www.rottnestisland.com or by requesting a form by calling 08 9432 9300. Forms can also be collected from the authority’s offices at E Shed, Victoria Quay, Fremantle or the Visitor Centre on Rottnest Island.  Submissions close on September 17.

People who enjoy the waters off the State’s South-West are set to benefit from a new $940,000 state-of-the-art marine rescue facility officially opened in Busselton.

Police and Emergency Services Minister John Kobelke said the new facility would be the centre of operations for the Busselton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group.

“Marine House, situated in Geographe Bay, will not only meet current needs, but serve the community as the region continues to grow,” Mr Kobelke said.

“Over the past three years, the number of sea rescues in the region has basically doubled and in the past month alone, the group attended 41 incidents.

“Every single one of those call-outs means a life was saved, so it is vital that the best possible equipment and facilities are available to the volunteers.”

The Minister praised the tireless commitment of the Marine Rescue Volunteers who selflessly made themselves available 24 hours a day, seven-days-a-week, to assist and protect others in times of emergency.

The new facility has been fitted out with the latest in radio communications, an electronic weather station and radar with a 64 nautical mile range, capable of monitoring the waters from Margaret River to Preston Beach.

Mr Kobelke said the new centre had already started to benefit the community.

“The group recently responded to a distress call from a family of four whose boat had engine failure and who were drifting dangerously close to rocks just off Dunsborough,” he said.

“The group advised the family to drop the anchor while they immediately headed out there, using the new radar to locate the family’s exact position before towing them safely back to shore.”

South-West MLC Adele Farina welcomed the new facility, which is expected to attract more volunteers to serve the growing population of Busselton.

“Plans are to have volunteers staff the headquarters daily and take over the 24-hour marine radio monitoring, resulting in faster emergency response times,” Ms Farina said.

“The new facility would not have been possible without the support of Fire and Emergency Service Authority, Lotterywest, the Shire of Busselton and the Busselton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group.”

Woodman Point boating facilities

Woodman Point will become a major focus for recreational sailors, with four new public boat ramps and boat stacking capacity for more than 300 vessels.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Government expected to release tenders for building the boat ramps and would invite expressions of interest in constructing and operating a boat stacking facility during February.

Ms MacTiernan said the Woodman Point Recreational Boating Precinct would help meet rapidly growing demand for storage and launching facilities on the metropolitan coast.

“As well as eight boat ramp lanes, a service jetty and the boat stacker, the harbour will offer more than 350 car/trailer bays and additional public car parking.

 “Future plans being considered for the precinct include the development of boating related retail space and industrial areas, and possibly the addition of boat pens.

 “With the south-west metropolitan population growing rapidly, demand for these facilities can only get stronger. 

 “Construction of the new boat ramps and car parks could begin as soon as the middle of the year.

 “Timing for the boat stacker and associated facilities will depend on the timetable of the successful tender, but obviously we will be favouring proposals that deliver early completion.”

The Minister said the planned expansion would not intrude upon facilities leased and operated by the Cockburn Powerboat Club and an existing boat storage operation. 

Boat owners throughout Western Australia are being told to take care when purchasing a new Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB.

 Department for Planning and Infrastructure Coordinator of Safety Education Laurie Adams said recreational boat owners in WA operating more than two nautical miles from the mainland or outside the EPIRB exclusion zone off the metropolitan coast would need a 406 MHz EPIRB by February 1, 2009.

 “While some boat owners already have a 406 MHz  those with a 121.5/243 MHz beacon will need to change over as the International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing from February 1, 2009,” Mr Adams said.

 “Unfortunately, with the large range of beacons now available in the market place some boat owners upgrading to a 406 MHz have been caught out and purchased a beacon not suitable for boating.

 “To assist boat owners in making an informed choice the Department has produced a brochure outlining the different types of beacons available and detailing the requirements for boat owners in WA.”

The brochure provides information about EPIRBs and details the specific standard required (AS/NZS 4280.1). It also explains why Personal Locator Beacons or PLBs are not suitable for marine use.

 Mr Adams said 406 MHz beacons can be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“Registration is free and the details people provide as part of the process are invaluable in a marine emergency,” Mr Adams said.

 People wanting a copy of the Department’s EPIRB brochure can visit www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or call 9216 8966 to be sent a copy.

 To register a 406 MHz beacon visit the AMSA website: http://beacons.amsa.gov.au

Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has extended the closure on recreational and commercial crab fishing in Cockburn Sound for a further 12 months to allow stocks to rebuild after several years of poor recruitment.

“Research advice indicates that although blue swimmer crab stocks have started to recover in the Sound, breeding stocks and recruitment remain at low levels,” Mr Ford said.

“The quickest way to allow stocks to rebuild is to extend the current closure for 12 months.

“Department of Fisheries researchers will continue to monitor the recovery of crab stocks in Cockburn Sound and I will review further scientific data and advice late next year to consider whether crab fishing can recommence.“

“Now that we’ve started down the road to recovery and the signs indicate we are heading in the right direction, we should give the crabs in Cockburn Sound a little longer to rebuild their numbers,” he said.

“If we keep the fishing pressure off the crab stocks in the meantime, this will help speed up the recovery.

“Once the blue swimmer crab numbers return to reasonable levels, our goal is to keep the stocks sustainable through careful ongoing management strategies.”

The Minister said his decision to reduce the bag and boat limits for blue swimmer crabs across the rest of the West Coast Bioregion (extending from Black Point, east of Augusta, to the Zuytdorp Cliffs, north of Kalbarri) was also an important step for sustainability.

“As of November 1 this year, the daily bag limit of blue swimmer crabs in the West Coast Bioregion for recreational fishers has been reduced to 10 per fisher and the boat limit is now 20,” Mr Ford said.

More details about the new rules for blue swimmer crab fishing in the West Coast Bioregion are available from the Department of Fisheries website http://www.fish.wa.gov.au

Former Fremantle Dockers star and life member James Walker will set sail aboard westernaustralia2011.com to take part in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race.

“WA won the 05-06 Race so expectations will be riding high as Walker jumps on board to help defend our clipper crown.

“The WA yacht westernaustralia2011.com is doing battle with nine other yachts and I hope James will help us take victory again.”

Walker said he was nervous but excited about the clipper challenge.

“I think the biggest test will be being completely out of my comfort zone and having little sailing experience, but I’m really excited,” he said.

“I’ve been training at Fremantle Sailing Club and will have more training in Durban to get up to speed.

“I’m looking to play a role, but also learn as much as I can while on board.”

Walker will join other crew members in Durban this week ahead of the race re-start on November 25.

The Clipper Race features 10 identical 68-foot yachts each crewed by up to17 amateur sailors and a professional skipper in a race around the world. The first boats are expected to arrive in Fremantle on December 16 2007.

Tourism Minister Ms McHale said the yachts would be based at Fremantle Sailing Club with an exciting race re-start planned at Fremantle Harbour on January 1.

“I encourage people to attend what will be a great spectacle with the best vantage points at Victoria Quay and along city beaches,” she said.

“The race is a great economic boost for the State, with the yachts, their crews and families staying in Fremantle over Christmas and New Year.
 

3/11/07   New campaign highlights April deadline for skipper’s ticket

In the lead up to summer, skippers throughout Western Australia are being urged to ‘Beat the Fleet’ and obtain their Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) soon.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today said the State Government had implemented an advertising and education campaign to highlight the need for skippers to act quickly to gain the new safety qualification well ahead of next year’s April compliance deadline.

“With summer and the boating season less than a month away, we are sending a message to skippers to take action if they are not among the 72,000 Western Australians who have already gained their RST,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“An aim of the campaign is to motivate people to act now to help avoid possible delays closer to the deadline.”

Recreational skippers will require an RST to be in charge of a vessel with a motor of more than 4.5 kilowatts (6HP) by April 2008. People under 25 were required to have their RST by April this year.

Recognised as one of the most significant marine safety initiatives ever introduced in WA, the RST requires people in charge of a recreational vessel to have a minimum level of skill and knowledge needed to protect themselves, their passengers and to share the water safely with others.

The Minister said the ‘Beat the Fleet’ message would feature in print and radio advertising, at key boating events and also at locations associated with boating activity over the summer months.

“There has been a high level of support for the RST since it was announced in February 2006 and this needs to continue if the initial compliance target of 86,000 - the current number of registered recreational vessels in WA - RSTs issued by April 2008 is to be met,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The campaign represents the final stage of the implementation of the RST and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and its large network of authorised training and assessment providers are ready for a busy start to summer.”

For more information about the RST or a copy of the free RST Workbook, contact the department on 9216 8966 or visit http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine

Red Bull Air Race:1 to 4 November 2007
Swan River access restricted

The Swan river will be closed to pleasure craft between Heirisson Island and the Narrows Bridge over the race weekend at the following times:

Thursday 1 November 09:00 – 17:00

Friday 2 November 09:00 – 17:00

Saturday 3 November 09:00 – 17:00

Sunday 4 November 09:00 – 17:00

DPI Marine safety will designate specific areas for spectator craft on Saturday and Sunday and will control these from 07:00 – 17:00.

All spectator craft must enter these areas before 09:00 to secure a position.

http://www.redbullairrace.com/?race=16&lang=en 

http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/15360.asp

Visions unveiled for public comment on Fremantle boat harbours

The transformation and expansion of Challenger Boat Harbour - introducing a waterfront residential village and extensive parklands linked to Fremantle’s city centre -is one of the dynamic proposals for the development of the city’s boat harbour precinct.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today that three separate scenarios for the harbour precinct had been prepared and were designed to reinforce and enhance the unique character of this important part of Fremantle.

The scenarios were developed through the work of a Government-sponsored steering committee, which comprised representatives from the local fishing industry, City of Fremantle, Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, Fremantle Sailing Club, tourism industry and the State Government.

The Minister was launching the next consultation phase in the formulation of a new policy to guide the development of Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour and Challenger and Success boat harbours over the next 30 years.

“The aim is to provide a long-term plan to ensure the boat harbour precinct is developed to its full potential and that the future needs of the growing variety of users are met,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“At the same time, we must retain the working elements of the Fishing Boat Harbour and protect Fremantle’s unique fishing heritage.”

The Fremantle Boat Harbours Policy concentrates on Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour and Challenger and Success boat harbours.

The Minister said community comment was now being sought in relation to the three scenarios and feedback would be used to prepare the final Fremantle Boat Harbours Policy, which will be considered by the Western Australian Planning Commission.

“To assist people in providing feedback, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure is holding a special information day at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour to coincide with the annual Blessing of the Fleet this Sunday, October 21,” she said.

“People will be able to view a display, speak to members of the steering committee and officers working on the project and provide comment in relation to the scenarios.”

To date, more than 600 people have participated in a community survey and workshops to shape the individual features of the three scenarios.

Ms MacTiernan said the redevelopment of Challenger Boat Harbour with a vibrant mixed use boating, residential and visitor precinct was featured in scenarios one and two.

“The creation of a new ‘living’ harbour with a festival theme would provide better links between the city centre and the Fishing Boat Harbour and improve Bathers Beach by creating a more sheltered environment for users,” she said.

“The new harbour’s parkland area would be two-thirds the size of the adjoining Esplanade Park and would give pedestrians easy access to the waterfront.

“Scenario two, which is preferred by the steering committee, also includes the development of an additional harbour and pen space for sailing and recreational vessels.

“The third scenario proposes that the majority of new development occurs on a site on the southern boundary of Success Harbour.”

Features common to all three scenarios include:

People not able to attend can find more information about the Fremantle Boat Harbours Policy and the scenarios available for comment at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/fremantleharbour or contact the department on 9216 8999 for an information package.
 

New era for Rottnest Island as confidence hits new highs

Business confidence in Rottnest Island continues to soar, with the Carpenter Government’s $30million investment in accommodation and infrastructure paying dividends.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale today christened the first new ferry to the island in a decade and opened 43 refurbished units in South Thomson.

Ms McHale said Oceanic Cruises was investing $12million in a new 200-seat ferry called ‘Rottnest Spirit’ and a new 300-seat vessel due to enter service in 2008.

“This major investment is a real indication of the level of private sector confidence in Rottnest and in tourism in Western Australia,” Ms McHale said.

“We are entering a new era as business engages with the island and Rottnest’s popularity soars.”

Oceanic Cruises’ owner Tim Shuttleworth said the company would focus on a high quality of service to further develop the profile and unique image of Rottnest and increase visitor numbers and repeat travellers.

“With continuous improvement and by exploring new opportunities, our input to Rottnest Island will improve the visitor experience and ensure its long-term future,” Mr Shuttleworth said.

Ms McHale also unveiled 43 refurbished units in South Thomson, meaning 85 percent of the Island’s 308 holiday units have now been upgraded or refurbished.

“We’ve also reached another milestone – all asbestos cement roofing has now been removed and replaced with colorbond,” Ms McHale said.

“It also keeps us on track for the refurbishment program as set out in the Rottnest Island taskforce report to be finished in 2008.”

Ms McHale said an estimated $60million was due to be invested in Rottnest Island by the private sector.

“$6.5million will be spent on the Quokka Arms hotel, a new Dome cafe is being built and negotiations are continuing towards a new $50million hotel,” Ms McHale said.

Concept plan paints vision for Bunbury Waterfront.

The latest plan for Bunbury’s Waterfront was released for community input today.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the community was encouraged to provide feedback on the Bunbury Waterfront concept plan at an open day at the Bunbury Power Boat Club on Sunday, November 18.

“The revitalisation of the Koombana Bay and Leschenault Inlet shorelines will transform the entrance to Western Australia’s second city, and provide an extra five kilometres of new public waterfront, better family beaches, shops and restaurants,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“The development has the potential to attract nearly $3billion in investment for Bunbury over the next 30 years.

“This will generate an estimated 3,000 jobs during the building phase and 7,400 jobs in the longer term.”

LandCorp chief executive Ross Holt said the open day was a valuable opportunity for Bunbury residents to take a look at the latest version of what was proposed for their beachfront.

“The development will consist of four precincts - Eastside, Bayside, Oceanside and Harbourside, with development of the Bayside and Eastside precincts forming the first stage of the project,” Mr Holt said.

“A new marina and associated facilities will be built next to the existing Casuarina Boat Harbour, giving a combined capacity of up to 500 pens, along with a joint aquatic clubs facility.

“Development opportunities for residential, office and tourism accommodation, and a new public boat ramp will also be included in Stage 1 of the development.”

Civil works are expected to start late next year, subject to statutory planning and environmental approvals.

The open day, which will be held between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, November 18, will be informal with residents being able to attend at any time. They will be able to ask questions and discuss Bunbury Waterfront with members of LandCorp’s project team.

The concept plan is available at http://www.bunburywaterfront.com.au

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