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Work has now started on upgrading the breakwater at the entrance to Beadon Creek to enhance Onslow's capacity to service the offshore oil and gas industry off the Pilbara coast.

The State Government, jointly with the Onslow Marine Supply Base (OMSB), recently awarded WA-based company Ertech a $4.4 million contract for urgent upgrades to the breakwater at Beadon Creek.

To continue reading the media statement please visit the link below. Alternatively visit the Beadon Creek page.

Work starts on Beadon Creek breakwater upgrade

The State’s resource rich Pilbara region will be the focus of a major oil spill response exercise next month, prompting organisers to reassure the local community there’s no need for concern. 

Hosted by the Port of Dampier and staged over three days commencing June 18, 2019, Exercise Dampier Challenge will involve simulated response activities including oiled wildlife and shoreline clean-up.

Department of Transport (DoT) Marine Safety General Manager Ray Buchholz said the exercise would see State authorities, local government and the private sector responding to a realistic scenario to measure their individual preparedness and response capabilities as well as their ability to work collectively.

Mr Buchholz said members of the community should not be concerned if they observe equipment deployments and other exercise related activities in the Dampier area.

“The State is well prepared to respond to major maritime environmental emergencies in the Pilbara and exercises such as this provide a valuable opportunity to enhance response arrangements,” Mr Buchholz said.
 
DoT is the State’s lead agency for ensuring an effective response to maritime environmental emergencies and is working closely with the Pilbara Ports Authority to stage the exercise. Other major players include the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Port of Dampier operators, petroleum companies and the City of Karratha.

“Approximately 90 people from up to 12 organisations will be involved in what is a significant opportunity to boost skills and hone the State’s plans for dealing with a major spill,” Mr Buchholz said.

Field deployments will involve booms and skimmers on the water, the simulated clean-up of oil and the collection and treatment of simulated oiled wildlife.

For further information about maritime environmental emergency response arrangements in WA, visit Marine pollution. 

Media Contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au

Too many Carnarvon skippers are being turned away from the boat ramp for failing to meet safety equipment requirements.

Department of Transport (DoT) Regional Director Bradley Mitchell said while the majority of those stopped from launching failed to have in-date flares there was also concern about the number of skippers with old and unsafe lifejackets.

“In the Gascoyne in 2018 DoT undertook 858 safety checks and in eight and a half per cent of cases the skipper was found not to be carrying serviceable flares (in-date or not on board),” Mr Mitchell said.

“In-date flares are required safety equipment for boating in open waters and skippers who fail to carry them are risking their lives.”

Mr Mitchell said skippers were responsible for maintaining all their safety equipment and lifejackets should be regularly checked for signs of wear and tear.

“To assist skippers DoT will bring the successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade to the area next week,” Mr Mitchell said.

The Old4New program, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, is an upgrade opportunity where old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets can be exchanged for a voucher for use at a local retail outlet when purchasing a new lifejacket.

Voucher limits and restrictions are in place to ensure the benefits of the program apply to as many vessels as possible so people who want to participate should check the guidelines 

People can participate in Old4New at the Courtyard Craft Markets at the Civic Centre, Robinson Street, Carnarvon on Saturday May 25, 2019 from 8am until noon.

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Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au