People power wins out for new South West boat ramp

In a big win for the South West boat fishing community, the State Government has released a tender to build a new boat ramp and jetty at Canal Rocks, near Yallingup.

Hundreds of South West locals rallied against State Government plans to close the boat ramp at Canal Rocks in October 2017.

“With recfishers spending $2.4 billion on fishing every year, this is exactly the kind of fishing infrastructure upgrade our community deserves and expects to see happening and we want to see more of it,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.

However, almost three years ago, it was looking like there wouldn’t be a boat ramp at Canal Rocks to upgrade after the State Government revealed it was slated to be closed due to its poor condition.

The mooted boat ramp closure spurred the South West boating and fishing community to launch a spirited fight to save the important infrastructure.

The community wasn’t going to accept the closure lying down as the ramp provides fishers direct access to launch boats on the westerly side of Cape Naturaliste into oceanic waters.

It also plays a critical role in fishing and boating safety allowing Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue vessels to respond much quicker to emergencies in open ocean than if they had to launch from Geographe Bay and steam around the cape.

In November 2017, hundreds of passionate recfishers and community members rallied at Canal Rocks to voice their strong opposition to the planned closure.

In addition, more than 4,000 people signed petitions to save the boat ramp.

Both community and Recfishwest campaigned hard to keep the ramp open prompting an independent risk assessment of the structure to be carried out.

Its findings, released in March last year, recommended the Canal Rocks boat ramp remain open for public use.

The tender announcement for a radically upgraded ramp is the icing on the cake for the South West community which have fought for the Canal Rocks boat ramp.

The Government expects the new ramp and jetty to be completed by the end of the year.

A new boat ramp and jetty at Canal Rocks will benefit the South West boat fishing community.

Dr Rowland said once the ramp and jetty was built, it would give the community the kind of quality boating facility, they deserve and need.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the community and to have supported their bid to ensure this important asset remains at Canal Rocks for everyone to utilise, which not only benefits recfishers, but is also crucial for marine safety in the area,” Dr Rowland said.

“Given the expanse of WA’s coastline and the fact one in three West Aussies fish, there are relatively very few boat ramp facilities available for use and we will continue to work as your peak sector body to make sure they are kept open, expanded, upgraded and maintained to a high standard.

“The announced upgraded Canal Rocks ramp is very much a win in that regard – so a big Recfishwest shout-out to all involved, we all sent the Government a very clear message and to their credit they listened and acted!”

Continue Reading

May 30, 2023

Spotting sharks on your sounder to help reduce bite-offs

“The taxman”, “the men in grey suits” or just plain old “bloody sharks.” Whatever you call them, sharks biting off your prized catch as you bring it into the boat can be the bane of many fishers’ fishing trips…

Read More

May 05, 2023

West coast demersal $10m support package – a golden opportunity to support better decisions that cannot be missed

As the dust settles on the new fishing rules for west coast demersals, Recfishwest says the Government has got to get right the way $10 million of public money is spent on supporting the fishery. The Government…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Scott’s south coast gems

The south coast is a delightful part of the world, especially at this time of year. Autumn truly is the time to enjoy everything it has to offer, with the best weather of the year featuring still, warm day days and…

Read More

May 05, 2023

Jurien Bay FADs fire up, bringing great new fishing options to the Mid-West

The sportfishing action in Jurien Bay has cranked up since the deployment of four FADs off the coastline!  It is great to see fishers reap the benefits of catches from FADs across WA, with Recfishwest and local…

Read More

May 04, 2023

A tale of two jetties

All too often, we see prized fishing jetties desperately needing TLC and restoration abandoned, left to rot or demolished as the red tape around who is responsible in managing and maintaining them puts them in the…

Read More

May 04, 2023

Partners playing a huge role in helping us make fishing better in WA

Outside of our core funding contribution from recreational fishing licence fees via DPIRD, a growing range of valued partners are helping us do more for West Aussie fishers in 2023. Without additional support for…

Read More