Major boost for NW fishing industry

15/7/00
The fishing industry in the State's North-West has received a major boost with the opening of the $6.2 million redevelopment of the Johns Creek Boat Harbour at Point Samson.
Opening the facility today, Transport Minister Murray Criddle said the redevelopment showed the State Government's commitment to work in partnership with local councils and boating communities to improve boating facilities was paying off.
"The original harbour had just a single breakwater, a service jetty, a slipway for smaller sized vessels and a relatively shallow harbour basin," Mr Criddle said.
"With the steady growth of trawling and larger boats using the harbour, Transport worked with the Nickol Bay Professional Fishermen's Association to bring about some major capital improvements in 1996.
"But it soon became clear that the local fishing industry was growing much faster than the harbour and a major redevelopment plan was commissioned with Transport working jointly with key industry players through the local Maritime Advisory Committee."
Mr Criddle said that the redevelopment work included:

• upgrading of the existing breakwater and provision of two additional breakwaters to increase protection against wave penetration into the harbour;
• an increased harbour basin to allow the mooring of more vessels;
• deepening of the enlarged basin so that vessels stay afloat during almost all tides, thereby reducing the risk of pollution and damage to vessels;
• provision of a land-backed berth to the deepened basin to allow easier cargo handling and access to and from vessels, and to provide safer mooring conditions during cyclones; and -
• provision of a careening pad (a natural boat-lifter that utilises the high tides of the area to raise vessels out of the water).

Mr Criddle said that the John's Creek development was a major boost for the fishing industry as it provided a modern and expanded facility that would allow the fishing industry to plan ahead with confidence.
"We must acknowledge that this facility will also play a vital role in providing a safe haven during cyclones and other adverse weather conditions," he said.
This event also marked the launch of Maritime Transport Directions for Western Australia, a document outlining the State Government's policy direction for maritime transport - a diverse system vital to the State's prosperity and quality of lifestyle.
Mr Criddle said Maritime Transport Directions was a commitment to providing a successful balance between the disparate demands on our state waters with the need to preserve a pristine marine environment.
"Many Western Australians are directly or indirectly involved in a wide range of commercial and recreational activities on the ocean and coast, rivers and inland waterways," he said.
"Most goods we export and import are transported by sea; so a safe, efficient and effective maritime transport system is essential.
"WA has the largest ship and boat building and repair industry in the nation, we are world leaders in the design and construction of fast ferries, which are exported all over the world.

"Around 62,000 recreational boats are registered for leisure and sport, and annually, an estimated one-quarter of a million people enjoy the waters for recreation.
"So it means that just about every Western Australian has a stake in any decision we make about the State's waters."
Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321 7333