Closure of waters and ski area at Esperance

Concern about the condition of the Esperance Tanker Jetty has prompted a ban on swimming and boating within 50 metres of the structure and the closure of the nearby water ski area.

Department of Transport (DoT) Manager of Navigational Safety and Moorings Mark Briant said debris from the jetty posed a serious threat to safety.

"DoT has taken immediate action and today gazetted the closure of all waters within 50 metres of the jetty to swimming and boating while the water ski area in Esperance Bay has been revoked," Mr Briant said.

"For the time being boat owners are asked to utilise the alternative water ski area at Woody Lake.

"The previously gazetted closed waters area at the end of the jetty will remain in place allowing divers to continue to use the popular dive site."

Mr Briant said there had been confirmed instances where timbers had been located and retrieved from the adjacent bays.

"It's understood the closure will impact on the local boating community. However, a collision between a vessel and floating debris may have tragic consequences," Mr Briant said.

DoT will monitor the situation and once satisfied that the risk posed by timbers has abated, it will reopen the closed waters and the ski area.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au