Purpose built facilities for the disposal of oil and other marine waste have been introduced at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour to minimise the impact of recreational and commercial operations on the local environment.

The upgrade is part of a $350,000 project, jointly funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the Department of Transport which will see marine waste disposal units introduced at nine of its boat harbours throughout WA in 2009 - reinforcing best practice in marina management.

The Department's Assistant Manager of Regional Facilities Nich Grundy said each unit was specially designed to allow for the safe collection and proper disposal of different types of marine waste, from oil and associated contaminated materials such as rags and filters, to other items such as bulky engine batteries and empty oil containers.

"The units provide a secure area for storage and are designed to contain the waste within the enclosed area ensuring there is no risk to the local environment," Mr Grundy said.

"The initiative will see many thousands of litres of waste oil recycled and the project demonstrates the Department's commitment to sound environmental management systems at each of the boat harbours it operates."

Department boat harbours and maritime facilities included in the project are located at: Fremantle (Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour), Esperance (Bandy Creek Boat Harbour), Bunbury (Casuarina Boat Harbour), Lancelin, Cervantes, Jurien, Carnarvon, Exmouth and Point Samson (Johns Creek Boat Harbour).
   
The units, which come in three different sizes, will be introduced at each location at no cost to the harbour users.

Mr Grundy said the Department would work with harbour users at each location to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of the units.
"At many of the locations the introduction of a dedicated disposal unit for this type of marine waste will see a significant improvement in environmental management practices at the harbour," Mr Grundy said.

"At Fremantle, where the first disposal unit was recently introduced, there has been a very positive response from users."  

For more information about Department operated boat harbours visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine 

MEDIA CONTACT: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

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