The growing popularity of the waters off Rockingham for recreational boating, personal water craft (PWC) use and other aquatic activities has resulted in a major overhaul of on-water gazettals in the area, including the introduction of new boating prohibited and speed restriction area.

Department for Planning and Infrastructure Manager of Navigational Safety and Compliance Ray Buchholz said safety concerns coupled with the need to better define the mooring zones had prompted a redesign of the gazetted uses within Mangles Bay.

"Congestion in some areas had seen conflict between users increase in recent years and these changes combined with improved education and increased compliance patrols will ensure safer operation of the waters even at the busiest times," Mr Buchholz said.

"As part of the review undertaken by the Department, officers consulted extensively with the Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Fisheries, City of Rockingham and peak user groups and local rescue and boating clubs.

The changes include:

• creation of defined mooring zones
  
  
• an eight knot speed restriction area and boating prohibited area at Point Peron making it safer for people to swim or snorkel;
  
  
• a boating prohibited zone at Palm Beach Jetty to protect fishermen and others using the jetty and surrounding waters;
  
  
• removal of the Shoalwater Bay ski area and the creation of a 12 knot speed restriction area incorporating the wildlife conservation zone; and
  
  
• increasing the size of the PWC area adjacent to the Navy Causeway.

Mr Buchholz said 25 marker buoys defining the new zones had been installed in Mangles Bay to assist skippers and other users comply with new gazettal areas.

"The Department has also updated its boating guide for the waters off Rockingham to clearly show the gazetted areas for boating, water skiing and PWC use and it is available free of charge," Mr Buchholz said.

People wanting a copy of the Rockingham Boating Guide or more information about the changes can visit www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the Department on 9431 1011.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

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