Comments sought on boating safety improvements at Broome

Speed restrictions, increasing the size the water ski area at Gantheaume Bay and a plan to better accommodate local commercial operators are part of proposed changes to improve safety for people enjoying the coastline at Broome.

Department of Transport (DoT) Kimberley Operations Manager Daren Hutchins said people could now provide feedback on the proposals and suggest other improvements to the management of the coastline as part of the Broome Aquatic Use Review. 

He said the proposals were the result of initial consultation with key stakeholders, including the Kimberley Ports Authority, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and local commercial operators.

"The purpose of the review is to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of the coastline as the area’s population grows and demand increases for a variety of aquatic activities,” Mr Hutchins said.

Proposed changes include:
• Increase the current 8 knot area within Gantheaume Bay to encompass Broome Port moorings to ensure skippers travel at a safe speed.
• Reduce southern boundary of the Closed Waters Motorised Vessels area by 255 metres to better accommodate commercial operations in Gantheaume Bay.
• Increase the size of the Water Ski area within Gantheaume Bay north of the new 8 knot area and south of the Closed Waters Motorised Vessels area (Cable Beach) to simplify the boundaries for users.
• Increase the 8 knot area within the Broome Port from Entrance Point to Town Beach covering all of the mooring locations to ensure skippers travel at a safe speed.
• Remove the historic Personal Water Craft (PWC) Freestyling Prohibited areas at Gantheaume and Roebuck Bay to enable greater recreational aquatic activities.
• Consider the future requirement of the Entrance Point leads for ongoing navigation.

Mr Hutchins said feedback from regular users of the coastline would be considered to ensure any changes reflected local community views.

For more information about the aquatic review, make a comment on the proposals or participate in a survey about the changes visit My Say Transport.  

Comment on the proposals is sought until the end of January 2020.

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