River closed for Avon Descent to enhance safety

The Department of Transport (DoT) will temporarily close parts of the Swan and Avon rivers to enhance the safety of all river users during this year’s Avon Descent.

DoT A/Director of Waterways Safety Management Peter Beattie said it was the first time temporary closures had been implemented for the event that would impact recreational craft, passive watercraft and swimmers.

“With the increasing level of activity there is greater concern about the safety of the various user groups, particularly interactions between high-speed event craft, recreational craft and other users including paddle craft and swimmers,” Mr Beattie said.

“The decision follows close consultation with the organisers of the event and commercial operators in the area.”

For event time trials on Saturday 6 August 2022 the river will be closed from 9am to 2pm from Bells Bridge to Middle Swan Bridge. On Sunday 7 August 2022 the river will be closed from 9am to 5.30pm from Northam to Toodyay and similar closures are in place for the first day of the race (13 August 2022). 

On the final race day (14 August 2022) the river will be closed from Toodyay to Bayswater from noon until 5pm and boat launching ramps at Fish Market Reserve, Pickering Park, Katanning Street and Slade Street will also be closed.

For more details of the closures for the event visit our website.

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