Safe boating plan for Swan River Upper Reaches

Increasing the size of the water ski area at Belmont to make turning safer for skiers once a proposed jetty is built is one of two proposals to increase user safety and boost access to the Upper Reaches of the Swan River.
 
Department of Transport (DoT) Acting Director Waterways Management Mark Briant said community comment was now sought as part of the Swan River (Upper Reaches) Aquatic Use Review.

He said the proposals were the result of initial consultation with key stakeholders, including City of Belmont, City of Swan, City of Bayswater, Town of Bassendean and Town of Victoria Park and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

"The purpose of the review is to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of the Swan River upstream of the Windan Bridge as the area develops, population grows and demand increases for a variety of aquatic activities,” Mr Briant said.

Proposed changes include:
• Extension of the water ski area 100 metres upstream and145 metres downstream at Belmont to improve skier safety, in light of a proposed new public jetty on the southern bank just upstream of the Belmont Racecourse.
• Due to DoT’s increased CCTV monitoring of compliance, implement a two-year trial allowing personal water craft to navigate as a vessel upstream of the Windan Bridge at the current 5 knot limit with freestyle driving remaining prohibited.

Mr Briant said feedback from regular users of the river 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 Friday 13 November 2020.

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