Recfishwest has welcomed plans to upgrade the ageing infrastructure at the Woodman Point Recreational Boating Precinct.
The wooden four-lane western ramps will be replaced with floating jetties making for safer and easier launching for thousands of Perth fishers.
The announcement forms part of a State Government $4.8 million marine infrastructure package that will also see investment into floating pens in Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
Woodman Point is the busiest boat ramp in WA, recording nearly 30,000 vessel launches annually and providing vital boating access to Cockburn Sound, Garden and Carnac Islands and offshore fishing.
The ageing timber structures on the western side of the precinct have long been overdue for replacement, with some sections of the facility now more than 40 years old and beyond their original design life.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the upgrades were a positive step for Perth’s boating and fishing community.
“Cockburn Sound is one of the most important fishing locations in the metro area for fishers, crabbers and boating families, so it’s great to see continued investment into infrastructure to support continued public access to Cockburn Sound,” Andrew said.
“These upgrades will make launching safer and easier for the tens of thousands of people who use the facility every year, particularly during busy summer periods.
“It also underlines the fact that Cockburn Sound matters, particularly as the area faces pressure from a range of proposed developments.”
Continued free parking welcomed
Recfishwest also welcomes the continued provision of free parking at the facility and said it was important that remains part of the precinct moving forward.
“Woodman Point is one of the few major metro boating facilities where fishers and boaters can still access the ramp without being hit with parking fees,” Andrew said.
“We believe public boat ramps should remain free and accessible for everyday West Aussies and free parking is an important part of that.”
Construction on the upgrades is expected to commence later this year with works scheduled for completion in 2027.
