Public help sought on future plans for moorings in Bills Bay

15/9/2000
The public's help is being sought to prepare a plan to minimise the impact of anchors and boat moorings in Ningaloo Marine Park in the waters around Coral Bay.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today released a discussion paper focussing on the waters around southern Bills Bay, next to the Coral Bay townsite. The paper was prepared by the Department of Conservation and Land Management in conjunction with the Coral Bay community and the Department of Transport.
Coral Bay, 1100 km north of Perth, is a very popular place with holiday makers and boat owners. Up to 60 recreational boats and 15 commercial vessels have been recorded in the bay in peak periods.
The protected waters of Bills Bay contain extensive coral formations which are under threat from mooring and anchoring activities of the vessels. Anchors and moorings can be dragged across the coral causing considerable damage or restricting regrowth of the coral 'gardens'.
Deeper drafting vessels also pose a threat as they can become grounded on the formations causing further damage.
The big number of vessels also poses a safety risk to swimmers and snorklers.
Mrs Edwardes said issues covered in the discussion paper had been raised at a series of meetings with local residents and the Coral Bay Marine Activities Group.
"The paper has been released to give the public an opportunity to comment on several recommendations or to put forward other options," she said.
Mrs Edwardes said that while a new boating facility in the vicinity of Coral Bay was planned, its location had not been decided. As well, the environmental review process and construction phase meant that such a facility would be some time off.
"Recreational boaties who regularly visit Coral Bay are particularly welcome to comment on the discussion paper," she said.
Copies of the discussion paper are available from CALM. People interested in making a submission can contact Karen Abel on 9334 0207 or Arvid Hogstrom on 9949 1676.
Media contacts:
Steve Manchee on 9421 7777 or CALM Colin Ingram on 9334 0576 or Arvid Hogstrom on 9949 1676