
No change for upper reaches of the Swan River following consultation
The Department of Transport (DoT) will not progress changes to aquatic use in the upper reaches of the Swan River after two proposals failed to attract community support in recent consultation.The Department of Transport (DoT) will not progress changes to aquatic use in the upper reaches of the Swan River after two proposals failed to attract community support in recent consultation.
DoT Director Waterways Management Chris Mather said of the more than 2,000 people who responded to an online survey, 1561 rejected a proposed two year trial allowing personal water craft (PWC) to navigate as a vessel upstream of the Windan Bridge and nearly half did not want changes to the boundary of the ski area at Belmont.
“The Swan River (Upper Reaches) Aquatic Use Review attracted a high level of interest and comment from a diverse range of riverpark users with more than half identifying as paddle craft users and around one quarter being recreational boat owners,” Mr Mather said.
“The long-established aquatic use review process ensures the community has a say in the safe, equitable and sustainable use of WA waterways as our population grows and demand increases for a variety of aquatic activities.
“Following repeated requests for change to the current rules from PWC owners, DoT included the proposed two-year trial for PWC to operate upstream of the Windan Bridge knowing the aquatic use review process would allow people to comment and the feedback would be considered prior to making a final determination.”
Mr Mather said the boundary of the water ski area at Belmont would also remain unchanged.
The proposals presented for community comment were the result of initial consultation with key stakeholders, including City of Belmont, City of Swan, City of Bayswater, Town of Bassendean and Town of Victoria Park and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The Swan Canning Riverpark Boating Guide contains information about aquatic activity boundaries.
Visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/boatingguides or request a copy by contacting DoT on 13 11 56.
Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au

Record WA cycling investment continues with latest grants round
A $7.6 million McGowan Government cycling investment, matched by local governments, will help to build and plan for more than 100 kilometres of new paths across Western Australia.A $7.6 million McGowan Government cycling investment, matched by local governments, will help to build and plan for more than 100 kilometres of new paths across Western Australia.
The latest cycling investment will be delivered over the next two years through the WA Bicycle Network Grants Program and provides 74 grants to 51 local governments who have applied for funding.
$3 million for airport upgrades in regional Western Australia
Almost $3 million in Regional Airports Development Scheme (RADS) grants has been allocated to 25 projects across Western Australia.
Upgrades to regional airports across the State include resealing of runways, upgrading airstrip lighting, airport development planning, installation of animal exclusion fencing, and improving operational safety and facilities for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) operations.


Scam text message - Suspended driver’s licence
The Department of Transport has been advised that some customers have received a text message stating they have a new MyGov message in relation to their driver’s licence being suspended due to demerit points.
This text message is not from the Department of Transport. If you receive this text message, do not click on any links in the message or open attachments from any emails.
You can safely check your demerit points via the Demerit points check tool. Customers who have their licence suspended due to accrual of demerit points are notified in person.
To report this scam or for more information on phishing attempts please visit the Scamwatch website.

Transport projects Building For Tomorrow
Transport projects Building for TomorrowBuilding For Tomorrow – an information campaign and supporting website – was launched yesterday and provides information and updates on the major road, rail, cycling and marina projects in planning, underway or fast-tracked across WA.
Transport infrastructure projects, including cycling projects, are a key component in the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
Additional funding has been secured and major transport projects have been fast-tracked to support local jobs and businesses and help build WA’s economy back up.
In the long-term these projects will better connect areas of Perth and the regions, offer more choice in how you want to travel, and keep pace with demand.
Your travel may be impacted while these projects are under construction.
Visit the Building For Tomorrow website for information and updates on these major infrastructure projects, how construction might impact your travel, and help you make informed travel choices.

Phone scams
The Department of Transport is receiving multiple calls from the general public stating that they have just missed a call from the Department of Transport.The Department of Transport is receiving multiple calls from the general public stating that they have just missed a call from the Department of Transport.
The call was not made from the Department of Transport, it’s a Government impersonation scam and one of the main ones we are seeing is the “money owed to the ATO”, it gains momentum around tax time each year.
If you receive a call it may potentially be a scam call, and you can report the issue via the Scamwatch website.
Further information about the Government impersonation scams can also be found via the Scamwatch website.
