The Mid-West and South-West are expected to lead demand for new recreational boating facilities outside the Perth and Peel areas during the next 15 years.
The Department of Transport (DoT) has published a new series of regional maritime planning studies predicting growth in recreational boat ownership, demand for facilities and providing a blueprint of recommendations to meet the needs of the boating population in the area.
By 2036, the number of recreational vessels in Western Australia is expected to increase from around 100,000 currently to around 140,700 vessels, with trailer craft to grow by 36,301 and larger vessels, generally exceeding 7.5 metres in length, will increase by 3,756.
The number of recreational trailer vessels in the South-West region is expected to grow by 41 per cent by 2036 to just over 18,500 from 13,100 in 2020. The forecast growth will drive the need for additional boat ramp lanes in the South-West by 2036.
Overall boat ownership growth in the Mid-West is expected to grow by 43 per cent by 2036, with the demand for facilities anticipated to be from larger vessels with additional moorings required.
To read the studies, visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/projects/projects-planning.asp
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The eight regional planning studies provide, for the first time, a blueprint for local authorities and the State to meet the growing need for recreational boating facilities.
"This is a major step forward in maritime planning in WA and will have major benefits for the boating community as the popular pastime continues its growth.
"The majority of the initiatives outlined in the recommendations are eligible for funding under DoT's Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme which was implemented in 1998 to improve facilities and has funded 456 projects worth approximately $47.9 million.
"I would encourage local governments to continue working with the Department of Transport on local boating projects."
