New mooring laws to deliver fairer system on WA waterways

Reforms to the State’s boating laws will provide a fairer, more equitable system to allocate moorings in sought after areas and prevent individuals from profiting by selling a mooring.  

Department of Transport (DoT) Director of Waterways Safety Chris Mather said the changes allowed public ballots for key mooring sites in the Swan Canning Riverpark and at Mangles Bay near Rockingham.

“People can now register for the ballots, to be held on 4 November 2021, to determine a boat owner’s position on the newly created waiting list for up to 60 suitable mooring sites at both locations,” Mr Mather said.

“DoT is working with the Western Australian Electoral Commission to conduct the ballots which are likely to attract strong interest given the low cost and convenience and the ideal location of these two mooring control areas, which both offer easy access to Rottnest Island.” 

The reforms also allow for a new opt-in Shared Use Mooring System to be known as SUMS, providing opportunities for the casual use of moorings throughout WA based on a system in place at Rottnest Island.

Mr Mather said the new laws would ensure access to top quality moorings is fair and equitable for the nearly 100,000 of Western Australian boat owners who love to get out on the water and enjoy our spectacular waterways.

Community consultation on the reforms was undertaken over a two-year period with more than 800 comments received.