Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced the transformation of the Bunbury Service Jetty in the port’s outer harbour into a new fishing platform.
This is a fantastic outcome for Bunbury shore-based fishers who, from March, will have improved access to deep water from which to target herring, skippy, squid, crabs, whiting and a range of other popular species.
There are currently very limited quality shorefishing opportunities in Bunbury, particularly since the much-loved Bunbury Jetty in Koombana Bay was demolished in 2013.
Creating new fishing access to replace that keenly felt loss has been a community aspiration ever since.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland, who attended the media conference, said: “We’re extremely pleased to see the Government recognise the importance of recfishing and cut through the red tape to deliver public access to this refurbished jetty.”
Another great result coming out the jetty refurbishment will see the creation of wheelchair-accessible fishing spots and allow our partner organisation Fishability to develop a completely new program for Bunbury.
Dr Rowland added: “Recfishwest is happy that our advice and others’ such as Fishability and local anglers will be incorporated into the design for the new fishing platform.
“We’re all about creating better fishing experiences and improved access to catch fish on jetties like this does just that. And this announcement sets a good precedent for pursuing similar initiatives in other areas of the State.
“So, make no mistake, this is a win for all of our community and something to be celebrated.”
READ MINISTER MACTIERNAN’S MEDIA RELEASE HERE.
