Improvements to boating safety at Broome following review

Community support for the majority of proposals to improve safety along the coast at Broome will see the Department of Transport (DoT) implement a number of important changes to enhance boating safety at Broome.

DoT Kimberley Operations Manager Daren Hutchins said there had been support from the community in relation to four of the five proposed changes as part of the formal Broome Aquatic Use Review process. 

He said DoT would increase the current 8 knot area within Gantheaume Bay to encompass Broome Port moorings to ensure skippers travel at a safe speed after more than 70% of respondents to an online survey supported the proposal.

“There was also support to increase the 8 knot area within the Broome Port from Entrance Point to Town Beach covering all of the mooring locations and to remove the historic Personal Water Craft (PWC) Freestyling Prohibited areas at Gantheaume and Roebuck Bay to enable greater recreational aquatic activities,” Mr Hutchins said.

“A decision has been made to proceed with the proposed increase in size of the water ski area within Gantheaume Bay north of the new 8 knot area, after nearly 50% of respondents supported and nearly 40% opposed this change.  This will simplify the boundaries for users, between the new 8 knot area and the closed waters motorised vessels area (Cable Beach), reducing congestion and making boating safer in the area.”

The proposal to reduce southern boundary of the closed waters motorised vessels area by 255 metres to better accommodate commercial operations in Gantheaume Bay received limited support and will not be implemented.

The review also asked for feedback on the requirement of the Entrance Point leads which were recently decommissioned following a request from Kimberley Ports after concern about vessels being brought on to rocks when returning to the boat ramp during low tides. 

Mr Hutchins said the Broome Aquatic Use Plan would 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.

Updated signage will be installed to alert the community and the free Broome Derby Boating Guide has been updated to reflect the changes.

For a copy visit our website or request a copy by contacting DoT on 13 11 56.

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