Recfishwest says “NO” to Offshore Wind Energy development in Geographe Bay’s critical fish habitat

Recfishwest has told the Commonwealth Government that important fish habitat and fishing grounds in Geographe Bay are strictly off limits for Offshore Wind Energy developments. 

In February, the Commonwealth Government released proposals for public comment on a massive 7,674 square kilometre area to be earmarked for potential offshore wind farm development off Geographe Bay, with its closest point only 20km from shore off Cape Naturaliste and Bunbury, and 36km from Busselton. 

Recfishwest Operations Manager Leyland Campbell said, “A significant proportion of this area contains critical fish habitat including seagrass meadows and large areas of coral and sponge gardens, which among other things support dhufish spawning aggregations, and includes popular fishing areas such as Naturaliste Reef and FAD grounds.

Developments within the Government’s proposed South-West Offshore Wind Energy zone could have major negative consequences on seagrass meadows, coral grounds and dhufish spawning aggregations that sit within the earmarked area. Photo courtesy of Save Our Beloved Geographe Bay Facebook page.

To inform our submission, Recfishwest surveyed hundreds of local fishers who identified more than 400 important fishing areas within the proposed determination area. As expected, more than 95 per cent of recreational fishing activity within the proposed area occurs in water depths of less than 200 metres (see heat map below).  

It is for these reasons that Recfishwest, on behalf of our cast of 700,000 fishers, has recommended the eastern boundary of the proposed area is moved west to beyond the 200-metre depth line/isobar. This would remove areas of critical habitat and important fishing grounds from consideration, therefore protecting fishing experiences. 

As seen in this heat map generated by hundreds of responses from recfishers in our online survey, the most important fishing spots to the South-West community sit directly within a large proportion of the Commonwealth Government’s proposed Offshore Wind Energy development zone.

Strong opposition  

In addition, Recfishwest has criticised large gaps in the proposals and Commonwealth OWE policy that we have consistently been raising for months that remain unaddressed, including a clear position on potential exclusion zones being implemented around offshore wind infrastructure. 

“Recfishwest will not support any offshore energy projects that impose access restrictions,” added Leyland. “As a matter of priority, offshore wind energy projects must provide clarity as to their impacts on fishing access and must avoid important habitats such as spawning areas, nursery grounds and popular fishing locations.” 

What Recfishwest told the Commonwealth Government

Recfishwest’s recommendation to move the eastern boundary of the proposed determination west to the 200-metre isobar will:  

  • Reduce conflict with fishers and important fishing areas; 
  • Avoid all documented key ecological features; 
  • Avoid impacts on corals, seagrass, seaweed and sponge gardens; 
  • Avoid known dhufish aggregation areas
  • Retain the area of greatest wind speed and consistency for offshore energy projects; and 
  • Is large enough to allow the development of an offshore wind industry that can deliver the Government’s desired 20GW of energy.

In addition, it is recommended the Government provides greater transparency about the known impacts of offshore wind industry and resolve inconsistencies in Government policy.    

Recfishwest encourages all fishers to make a submission. Submissions on the proposed area can be made until 3 May 2024 through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) consultation hub , which also has more information on the proposal. 

Given the important fish habitat and crucial fishing grounds in Geographe Bay to the South-West community, Recfishwest stands firm that it is strictly off limits for Offshore Wind Energy developments.

Cherished South-West fishing platform reopened thanks to Shire of Dardanup’s heroics

A big Recfishwest shout out to the Shire of Dardanup for restoring a much-loved and popular jetty for the South-West community and recognising how important it is for the well-being of fishers. 

Back in May of 2023, the crumbling southern fishing platform at the old Collie River Bridge in Australind was closed to the public due to safety concerns. 

The closure prevented local fishers from enjoying the fantastic land-based fishing opportunities on the platform which had made it a popular spot since being built in 2010.  

Despite confusion around what council, shire or authority was responsible for managing and maintaining the southern jetty, the Shire of Dardanup voted to save, refurbish and take ownership of the southern jetty knowing how important the fishing platform was to locals.  

As a result, the fishing platform has now been reopened so local fishers can once again safely gather a delicious feed, thanks to the Shire of Dardanup’s decision to go it alone with no assistance being offered.

The southern fishing platform at the Old Coast Road Bridge has been reopened to fishers, with many youngsters already returning to the cherished platform to throw off crab nets.

Dardanup Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said, “The Old Coast Road Bridge fishing platform is a beloved community asset, and we’re thrilled to welcome residents, visitors and fishers back for another fantastic summer season. 

“It’s a great jetty for families to enjoy a spot of fishing and crabbing and we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience each time they visit.”

Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner at the reopening of the southern-based fishing platform, a great land-based fishing and crabbing spot.

Given the platform is one of the most easily accessible spots along the whole waterfront of the Collie River and is a hotspot for easily catching crabs, tailor and whiting, it is the first land-based fishing spot that the experienced team at Whitey’s Tackle in Australind recommend to their customers.   

“This fishing platform has provided great memories and wellbeing benefits to the South-West community for many years, so hats off to the Shire of Dardanup for recognising the importance of this much-loved fishing landmark and cutting through the red tape,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. 

“If this jetty could be saved thanks to the initiative of the Dardanup Shire Council, then we hope the jurisdictions and agencies responsible for the fishing platform on the northern riverbank can follow their lead by investing in its restoration and maintenance.” 

All eyes now on the northern platform

While the southern-based jetty has been reopened to the joy of fishers, the northern-based platform under the coordination of the Shire of Harvey is still off limits with no plans to restore it to its former fishing glory.

Only 30 metres across the river is the northern-based platform, located within the Shire of Harvey boundary. 

The fishing jetty is currently closed as the structure is currently unsafe to access, with the Shire of Harvey confirming to Recfishwest that there are no immediate plans to restore the platform to its former fishing glory.  

“At this stage, no funding has been allocated nor are there plans to open this up in the short term,” said the Shire of Harvey spokesperson.  

Recfishwest will continue to push for the appropriate authorities to invest in its restoration and follow the Shire of Dardanup’s lead.  

“Scores of fishing families have fished off the northern-based jetty and every estuary around WA should have a jetty for local and visiting fishers to enjoy. A jetty’s vast benefits to the community strongly outweigh the financial hurdles,” added Andrew.  

Locked out of great fishing access – the current sight meeting fishers at the northern-based fishing platform next to the Old Coast Road Bridge. Image Credit: Shire of Harvey.