New boat pens completed as ramp upgrade confirmed

• Practical completion of $2.1 million pen project at Carnarvon Boat Harbour
• Upgrade of Carnarvon Boat Harbour boat ramp to further improve ocean access
• Multifaceted $7 million Fascine Entryway Project part of the State Government's $5.5 billion COVID-19 WA Recovery Plan

A key part of the multifaceted $7 million Fascine Entryway Project has been delivered with the practical completion of 16 new floating boat pens at Carnarvon Boat Harbour at a cost of $2.1 million.

The 16 new boat pens were among a number of measures announced in 2020 to support the local fleet as work progressed to investigate unrestricted ocean access for Carnarvon boaters.

The pen project included the demolition of old infrastructure and introduction of new walkways with 16 modern, floating pens accommodating vessels up to 15 metres long, increasing the number of pens and berths available at Carnarvon Boat Harbour by 50 per cent.

Boat owners at the Carnarvon Yacht Club that had restricted ocean access are now relocating their vessels from the Fascine to the new pens. 

The milestone comes as the Department of Transport (DoT) confirms the next phase of works to provide improved ocean access at Carnarvon, with planning underway for upgrades of the Carnarvon Boat Harbour boat ramp.

The upgrades will include new and improved launching ramps and increased trailer parking to provide a much better experience for Carnarvon boat owners, along with unrestricted ocean access from the boat harbour.

Other measures undertaken by the State Government to support local boaters through the Fascine Entryway Project include the relocation of tide restricted access vessels and fee relief.

DoT continues to collect hydrographic, wave and current data to provide safer navigation for vessels by using the up-to-date data to reposition navigation markers in the Fascine.

For more information about the project and the harbour visit: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/Fascine

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Given the dynamic nature of the Fascine, finding a permanent fix to the access issues is very challenging, which is why we've been working hard to deliver alternative solutions like the new boat pens.

"With the pens delivered, many local boaties who previously struggled with access through the Fascine will now have unrestricted ocean access from the Carnarvon Boat Harbour.

"We'll now be turning our attention to the next stage of the project, with planning underway for the upgrade of the Carnarvon Boat Harbour boat ramp.

"I want to thank the Shire of Carnarvon and the Carnarvon Yacht Club for their ongoing cooperation and support as we deliver these projects."

Minister's office - 6552 5500