Jetties
One of the Department’s main activities is the administration of approximately 4,000 licences for jetties, ferries and mooring areas throughout Western Australia.
- Who needs a licence and why?
- How do I apply for a licence?
- What are the categories of licence?
- What are the current fees and charges?
- Are there any other approvals?
- What date will be on the jetty licence?
- Is there any recoup of licence fees?
- Are there any public liability issues I should be aware of?
- Will I need a jetty licence number?
Who needs a licence and why?
Under the Jetties Act 1926, all private jetties in Western Australia require a licence issued by the Chief Executive Officer in the Department. This is to ensure that the location of the jetty does not interfere with navigation and that the design, construction and maintenance of the jetty is such that it's safe to use.
Under Section 3 of the Jetties Act 1926, a jetty is defined as including a wharf, pier, grid, slip, landing place, stage, platform, or similar structure, whether fixed or floating, erected or placed, wholly or in part, in, on or over any waters and any ramp which is or may be used for the purpose of launching or landing a vessel.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence by completing the appropriate Jetty Licence Application form and returning it to the Department, at 1 Essex St Fremantle, Western Australia, 6160. Your application needs to include the following:
- A copy of the Certificate of Title for the property near the jetty site. The licence will only be issued in the name of the property owner, as shown on the Certificate of Title.
- A site plan (A4) showing the jetty location in relation to the applicant's property, with the jetty dimensions.
- The site plan must include all other structures, e.g. boat ramps.
- For jetty structures NOT to approved specifications, engineering drawings must be submitted with the site plan.
- If the licence will be in a company's name (as shown on the Certificate of Title):
- Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation;
- The names and addresses of two company directors (who will be guarantors); and
- ABN (Australian Business Number).
- For transfer applications only, written advice from the current Licensee stating there is no objection to the transfer.
- Current application fee (non-refundable).
What are the categories of licence?
The Department will issue a private licence if the jetty is for the applicant and his/her family for domestic and recreational purposes only.
The Department will issue a commercial licence if the jetty will be associated with a business or commercial undertaking.
What are the current fees and charges?
Current fees and charges for the application, issue and renewal of jetty licences.
Are there any other approvals?
The Department will consult with other relevant authorities such as local government, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Swan River Trust etc and will generally issue a licence only with the agreement of these authorities. Various policies apply to what is an acceptable jetty in different locations and circumstances. Please contact the Maritime Licensing Officer for further information.
After receiving a jetty licence, you will still need to obtain any other relevant development and/or building approvals.
What date will be on the Jetty Licence?
New jetties
Depending on the advice the applicant gives the Department, the commencement date of a licence will be either:
- The date construction commenced; or
- The date the licence is drawn up and dispatched for execution; or
- If a proposed future date for commencement of construction is advised, then that date.
Existing jetties
- With a transfer, the new licence's commencement date will be the date of the transfer of ownership of the relevant property as shown in the Certificate of Title.
- The licence's renewal date will normally be a continuation of the previous licence's annual renewal date.
Is there any recoup of licence fees?
No, the Department does not reimburse any fees on the cancellation or transfer of a licence.
For jetty licence transfers associated with property sales/purchases, the applicant may wish to seek an adjustment to the property price to reflect any unusual or unpaid licence fees directly with the vendor or settlement agent.
Are there any public liability issues I should be aware of?
Yes, applicants should be aware of the public liability risk that accompanies having a jetty and the indemnity provided to the Licensor and the Crown under the licence.
The issue of a jetty licence does not prevent the public having access to an area where they would have had access prior to the issue of a licence, for example in a foreshore reserve area.
Licensees may wish to investigate obtaining public liability and other relevant insurance for their jetty.
Will I need a jetty licence number?
Yes, all licensed jetties are allocated a number. This jetty licence number must be displayed on the structure above the winter high-water level, so that it is visible from the shore or water. It should be of a contrasting colour to the jetty and have figures at least 75mm high.