Changes to boost safety on the Swan Canning Riverpark

A reduced speed limit on Perth Water near Elizabeth Quay, realignment and renaming of the water sports area at South Perth and a permanent 5 knot area near the Matagarup Bridge have been introduced to improve on-water safety and enjoyment of the Swan Canning Riverpark.

Department of Transport (DoT) Director Waterways Management Chris Mather said the changes, now formally gazetted as law, would allow users to safely share some of the busiest parts of the iconic riverpark.

“An updated edition of the Department’s free Swan Canning Riverpark Boating Guide is now available to help skippers and other users learn more about the changes and adjust their behaviour,” Mr Mather said. 

The changes include:

• Introducing an 8 knot speed limit between the Narrows Bridge and Barrack Square to align with the limit on Perth Water and reduce wash through the courtesy mooring area 
   
• Realigning, increasing and renaming to the commercial water sports area within Perth Water to better meet growing demand for activities whilst a new 50 metre buffer along the foreshore at South Perth will provide safe passage for passive activities including paddle craft
   
• Permanent implementation of a 5 knot speed area between Point Fraser and Windan Bridge following the construction of the Matagarup Bridge to reduce wash and wake impacting the riverbank and rowers and water skiers, and improve navigational safety.

Mr Mather said the changes had been included in the Perth Water Buneenboro Locality Plan recently completed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

The plan included a review of on-water arrangements from the Narrows Bridge up to the Windan Bridge including the South Perth foreshore.

The Swan Canning Riverpark Boating Guide contains information about aquatic activity boundaries. Visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/boatingguides or request a copy by contacting DoT on 13 11 56.            

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