- New jetty and 34 new boat pens ready for use at Batavia Coast Marina
- Multipurpose marine infrastructure will foster local tourism opportunities
- Iconic Batavia Longboat will continue to be accommodated at the marina
Marine-based tourism opportunities in the Mid West have been boosted with the completion of a new floating jetty and 34 extra boat pens at the Batavia Coast Marina.
The $3.3 million pen project has delivered increased vessel accommodation to meet growing demand.
The project was delivered by SMC Marine Western Australia, who were contracted to undertake the yearlong design and construction project.
The upgrades have increased the total number of pens at the facility from 84 to 118 - with some of the new pens capable of accommodating vessels up to 25 metres long.
Funded by the WA Recovery Plan, implemented to support local jobs and local businesses out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project supported six full-time positions with SMC and saw three Geraldton-based subcontractors engaged for electrical, plumbing, and fabrication work.
Additionally, Geraldton Indigenous-owned company Ugle Fabrications showcased local manufacturing expertise with the fabrication of the mooring rope rings attached to the new jetty piles.
Batavia Coast Marina accommodates commercial and recreational vessels, and the new infrastructure will help meet the growing demand for boat pens, while boosting opportunities for growth in marine based tourism along the Batavia Coast.
The iconic Batavia Longboat will continue to be accommodated at the marina after the Batavia Coast Replica Boat Association accepted the pen reserved for its use.
People interested in becoming a pen holder at Batavia Marina, visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/ml-geraldton.asp
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This has been a fantastic project that has not only supported local jobs during construction but will help the local marine-based tourism industry continue to grow.
"Economic growth and job creation are one of our government's top priorities, and investing critical infrastructure that supports the Mid West's tourism industry is a key way of delivering in these important areas."
As stated by MLC Sandra Carr:
"These news pens are a great new addition allowing significantly more boats to be penned at the marina, and I am thrilled the Batavia Longboat will continue to be accommodated at the facility at their chosen location providing improved access to the vessel.
"It's a great result that will see the replica craft remain visible to the public and also add to the experience of those visiting the nearby museum."
