Safer boat ramp for Karratha's back beach

22/4/03
Karratha now has a much safer launching facility for recreational boats, with the completion of a $500,000 upgrade of the town's Back Beach boat ramp.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan visited Karratha today to open the facility, which was jointly funded by the Western Australian Government and the Shire of Roebourne.
"This project received $246,000 from the State Government's Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS) the largest ever grant from the scheme for a single project," Ms MacTiernan said.
"It includes a new breakwater to shelter the ramp and provide greater protection for boat owners launching and retrieving their vessels.
"There is also a new finger jetty alongside the dual launch ramp to help in the management of vessels at what is a very popular launching site for local and visiting boat owners."
The Minister said Burrup MLA Fred Riebeling had presented an excellent case for special treatment for the Karratha facility

Mr Riebeling said the new breakwater and jetty, along with improvements to the ramp, would make it a first class launching facility.

"Boat ownership in Karratha is twice the state average, with 1,217 registered recreational vessels," he said.
"Previously, boat owners often faced hazardous conditions launching and retrieving their vessel at the ramp, because there was little protection from the strong ocean currents and winds."
Ms MacTiernan praised the Shire of Roebourne's commitment to improving the safety of the facility by contributing matching funding and managing the construction project.
"The RBFS aims to build partnerships between the State Government and local authorities to deliver improved recreational boating facilities throughout the State," she said.
"The new improved and safer Back Beach launch ramp demonstrates the success of such partnerships."

A call for submissions for the next round of RBFS funding would be made in early July this year.
Minister's office: 9213 6400