Work will start next month on the detailed design and construction of 16 new floating boat pens at Carnarvon Boat Harbour, as investigations continue to find a sustainable long-term solution to Fascine access issues.
The new pens are part of the Fascine Entryway Project - a multifaceted $7 million project to improve ocean access for the commercial and recreational fleet at Carnarvon.
Following a successful tender process, SMC Marine has been contracted to deliver a concrete floating pen set to accommodate 16 vessels up to 15 metres long, with works expected to take around seven months to complete.
Concurrently, engineering and environmental studies are underway to determine the best approach to open the Fascine, while regular hydrographic surveys will provide valuable data about changes to the entrance channel and strategically positioned instrumentation is collecting wave, current and water level information.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Access issues for the Carnarvon fascine have been an ongoing issue - we know how important being able to access the water is for residents and tourists that visit the region.
"Last year we allocated $7 million as part of the WA Recovery Plan to look at both short term and long term solutions to enable year round access to the Fascine.
"We have reached a key milestone with the tender being awarded to design and construct 16 boat pens at the Carnarvon Boat Harbour, with work due to commence next month.
"We are continuing to collect data and work towards a long term solution to ensure better and continued access to the Fascine."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We are working closely with the Shire of Carnarvon and the Carnarvon Yacht Club to find a long-term solution to this problem that has beset Carnarvon for years.
"Expanding the Carnarvon Boat Harbour will ensure local skippers can continue to get out onto the water while that work progresses."
