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Aquatic Use Reviews (AUR)
We conduct regular aquatic reviews to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of WA's important waterways.
The Bunbury Aquatic Use Review is currently open for feedback.
Click here to read more.
The Department of Transport undertakes regular Aquatic Use Reviews (AUR) throughout WA to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of the State's waterways.
Minor localised reviews may also be undertaken outside of a full AUR to cater for new types of activities in an area or to address site specific conflicts that arise between users from time to time.
The Department follows a standard process in completing all AURs to ensure that all views and options are considered and to ensure the broader community has the opportunity to provide feedback on any proposed changes.
If you wish to find out more about an AUR currently underway or see if an AUR is being considered in your area, please contact our Navigational Safety team at navigational.safety@transport.wa.gov.au
Current Aquatic Use Reviews
Bunbury Aquatic Use Review
The Department of Transport (DoT) is undertaking an Aquatic Use Review (AUR) on the current waterway arrangements in Bunbury with a focus on the waters of Koombana Bay. The review will ensure safety on the water as a major part of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project is implemented and the new northern breakwater at Casuarina Boat Harbour is delivered.
DoT is seeking comment from the wider community in relation to proposed changes to the current aquatic use of the area.
The proposals include minor boundary changes to the five and eight knot speed restricted areas at Casuarina Boat Harbour, a reduction in the size of one of the two water ski areas at Koombana Bay and reopening of waters near the Dolphin Discovery Centre for use by kayaks, windsurfers, sailing dinghies and similar craft which also improves swimmer safety in an area not previously closed to all vessels. The review will look to formalise the closed waters to motorised vessels area within the Casuarina Boat Harbour at Jetty Baths to enhance swimmer safety. The position of new navigation aids to enhance the safety for those transiting the entrance to Casuarina Boat Harbour is also outlined.
| Bunbury Aquatic Use Review Plan | Kb | |
To provide your feedback on the proposed changes, click the link below. Feedback is welcome before 15 December 2024.
Your comments are an important part of the AUR process and will be taken into consideration by DoT prior to any changes being made.
Completed Aquatic Use Reviews (AUR)
Wellington Dam
The Department of Transport (DoT) has completed the review of aquatic use of the waters of Wellington Dam ensuring the ongoing safe, equitable and sustainable use of this important waterway.
The review looked at the current management arrangements in place including the ongoing use of Wellington Dam for water-skiing and the restricted access for vessels.
Changes to take effect as of 11 October 2022 include the removal of the water ski area, lifting of the previous closure to motorised vessels to permit vessels fitted with an engine capacity of 6 Hp or less explore the waterways of Wellington Dam. Vessels with an engine capacity greater than 6 horse power including Personal Water Craft will remain prohibited on all waters of Wellington Dam.
The changes follow extensive consultation with state and local government authorities and feedback from nearly 800 people completing the online survey.
This outcome supports the strong desire of the key local managing authorities to preserve the dam’s natural amenity with only passive activities and will also allow development of potential, future water-based tourism activities.
The recent gazettal of Lake Kepwari as a dedicated water ski facility in Mid-2020 and continued availability of areas nearby for water skiing will ensure adequate water ski locations remain available for enthusiasts.
For a free copy of the Wellington Dam Boating guide visit our Boating guides page.
Pic: Russell Ord Photography
Swan River (Upper Reaches) Aquatic Use Review
The Department of Transport (DoT) has completed the review of aquatic use of the waters of the Swan River upstream of the Windan Bridge ensuring the ongoing safe, equitable and sustainable use of this important waterway.
The review looked at the current management arrangements in place including the boundary of the water ski area at Belmont and following repeated requests for change to the current rules, DoT included a proposed two-year trial for personal water craft (PWC) to operate upstream of the Windan Bridge, under strict conditions.
The review attracted a high level of interest and comment from a diverse range of riverpark users with more than half identifying as paddle craft users and around one quarter being recreational boat owners.
Following consideration of feedback no changes will be made to the current arrangements.
![[DoT Image]](/images-content/marine/MAC_I_UpperSwan.jpg)