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Skippers from Broome to Albany will have an opportunity to discuss proposed changes to safety equipment requirements at a series of special information sessions.

The Department of Transport (DoT) is hosting the events following the release of the Recreational Vessel Safety Equipment Review Position Paper for community comment.

The position paper, formulated following initial community consultation in March 2017, details12 proposals including the compulsory wearing of lifejackets for children and by anyone on a vessel less than 4.8 metres in length, bringing WA into line with other States. DoT strongly advocates the wearing of lifejackets at all times when boating.

Under the proposed reforms recreational vessels will also not need to carry any safety equipment when operating in protected waters or within 400 metres of shore in unprotected waters.  Beyond 400 metres, vessels will require a GPS enabled distress beacon, plus either flares or an electronic night signalling device, and a marine radio will only be required when operating more than four nautical miles from shore.

DoT Maritime Deputy General Manager Ray Buchholz said it had been more than 25 years since the last review of safety equipment requirements for recreational vessels in WA and the reforms were designed to simplify laws making it easier for skippers to comply and save lives on the water.

“While boat owners and users are the target for the information sessions, it’s hoped those who have personal water craft (PWC) or regularly paddle, windsurf or enjoy kite surfing will also attend as these craft also require safety equipment,” Mr Buchholz said.

Information sessions are planned for the following locations:

• Bunbury  - Tuesday 22 October, 2019
• Mandurah - Saturday 26 October, 2019
• Rockingham - Sunday 27 October, 2019
• Broome - Tuesday 29 October, 2019
• Albany - Thursday 31 October, 2019
• Hillarys - Sunday 3 November, 2019
• Karratha - Wednesday 6 November, 2019
• Geraldton - Wednesday 6 November, 2019
• Fremantle - Thursday 7 November, 2019

To register to attend people can email safetyequipmentreview@transport.wa.gov.au or contact DoT on 9435 7901. If people can’t make an information session they can provide feedback on the proposals by visiting the DoT website.

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

The vision for Onslow to become a key marine hub, servicing the offshore oil and gas industry, is a step closer with dredging to allow larger commercial vessels to operate from the Beadon Creek facility, almost completed.

The Department of Transport has been working with the Onslow Marine Support Base and other stakeholders over the past seven years to redevelop the Onslow (Beadon Creek) Maritime Facility.

To continue reading the media statement please visit the link below.

Onslow marine services hub a step closer

Work has commenced on the new $4.9 million weir at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour in Esperance.

Project and harbour manager, the Department of Transport (DoT), is asking people to abide by the signage and not enter the construction area.

DoT Director Project Delivery Cameron Smith said skippers should also be aware silt curtains had been implemented upstream and downstream of the construction site and skippers should maintain a safe distance by remaining downstream of the marker buoy.

 “With work now underway on site we are asking people in the area to take extra care on land and on the water and observe the restrictions that have been implemented to ensure public safety,” Mr Smith said.

Contractor Italia Stone Group (Pty Ltd) will take nine months to complete the work which will involve 10,000 tonnes of earthworks and rockworks and see 400 tonnes of concrete poured.

Mr Smith said the design, location and alignment of the new weir would reduce the chance of future damage to the structure.

Positioned 50 metres upstream of the old weir, its design will increase the capacity of the structure to handle flood events and make it more resilient. It also allows tidal flushing and fish movement between the creek and harbour to continue and there will be no impact on the water level or quality of the Ramsar protected wetlands upstream.

In February 2017 the current structure was overtopped by floodwater causing significant damage including erosion of its foundation and a collapse at the southern end.

The majority of funding for the project will come from insurance. People wanting more information or a copy of the design can visit the DoT website.  

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