Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour takes out national award

• Fremantle home to Australia's best public boat harbour
• Marina of the Year Awards acknowledge the Department of Transport's exceptional management of the facility 

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour has been named Australia's best public boat harbour in the prestigious Marina of the Year Awards.

The iconic harbour has a rich history that began as a single jetty where fishermen landed their catch in the early 1830s and became world famous in the 1980s as the stage for Australia's defence of the America's Cup.

Today the harbour attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year, who enjoy the unique atmosphere created by the operation of licensed fishing vessels alongside restaurants, a boutique brewery, retail outlets and family friendly public facilities.

The integrated activities of the harbour currently employ more than 1,000 people.

The harbour is also home to charter and recreational vessels, with quality pens at the facility highly sought after given its convenient location to Rottnest Island and the Swan River.

Award judges highlighted the Department of Transport's management of the facility contributed to the overall experience and attraction of the harbour. There is strong collaboration between the department and both marine and tourism-based traders to achieve their collective and individual goals.

Since 2009, 189 new and upgraded pens have been provided at the harbour as part of the department's jetty replacement program.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is a world class facility and worthy of its new title as Australia's best public boat harbour.

"The harbour's history coupled with its unique offering to locals and tourists, make it one of Western Australia's favourite destinations.

"The Department of Transport's expertise as manager of this significant asset is recognised in this national award and by the WA community."

Minister's office - 6552 5500