A State Government-built boating facility worth $6.5 million has been opened at Monck Head, 1.5 km south of Coral Bay, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced.
The full text of an announcement is pasted below
The magnificent Coral Bay tourism settlement will be strengthened as an ecotourism destination with the completion of the $6.5 million Coral Bay Boating Facility.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan officially opened the new facility and said it provided improved infrastructure to support recreational boating and the strong growth of the local charter industry.
The facility, which was located at Monck Head, 1.5km south of Coral Bay would also address safety issues at Southern Bills Bay, where swimmers currently mix with boats from the boat launching area.
"International and interstate tourists love swimming, fishing, snorkelling and boating, especially the latter, which lures the largest number of visitors to Coral Bay annually," Ms MacTiernan said.
The facility includes an offshore island boasting a service jetty for the charter industry, two boat ramps and a finger jetty.
The island, which is accessed via a temporary causeway, has been designed to allow the transfer of tourist groups and provides a special pick-up and drop-off area for people with disabilities.
The Minister said recent scientific research, undertaken at the request of Government, had given the waters surrounding the new boat launching facility a clean bill of health.
"Scientific results show that this has been a low impact construction process," she said.
"A coral survey was carried out in February, before construction started, and another was held in May.
"The latest results show that coral health at all sites monitored have revealed no apparent mortalities, with coral on the limestone edge within 100m of the facility showing no sign of stress.
"There had been community concern about the use of a silt curtain but coral communities that were contained within the curtain, and exposed to high sediment loads during construction, are showing signs of a healthy recovery.
"The waters have returned to their previous clear quality and fish life is abundant at the facility."
A final extensive coral health survey will be carried out early next month and a hydrographic survey will also occur in November to monitor sand movement as part of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure's data collection and facility management requirements.
Ms MacTiernan said planning had already begun for the second stage of the development that would include the addition of an extra boat holding jetty at the boat ramp and the incorporation of dinghy pens for charter operators.
"The Government successfully operates 29 harbours and marine facilities along the State's coastline and, similar to its other locations, will establish a local maritime advisory committee to guide the day-to-day management of the facility," she said.
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure will operate the facility in consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation and local users.
People wanting more information about the facility can contact the department on 9216 8859 or visit http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine
