Tenders have been called for the design and construction of 16 new floating boat pens at Carnarvon Boat Harbour – the first stage of a $7 million project to improve ocean access for the commercial and recreational fleet.
Construction of the new pens has been brought forward to provide an immediate solution for vessels not currently able to navigate the Fascine to open water.
Expected to cost up to $2.5 million, the year-long project will be undertaken while engineering and environmental studies continue to help determine the best approach to remedy long-term issues with access to the Fascine waterway.
In the interim, regular hydrographic surveys of the waterway have started and will measure changes to the channel while navigation markers have been repositioned to ensure vessel safety.
The Carnarvon Boat Harbour launching ramp and the facility will remain open and available to recreational users until a long-term solution to the Fascine entrance is implemented.
Work is being supported by the Fascine Entryway Project Steering Committee which includes representatives from the Gascoyne Development Commission, the Department of Transport, the Shire of Carnarvon and the Carnarvon Yacht Club.
The McGowan Government has allocated $7 million to help solve access issues at the Carnarvon Fascine as part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
More information about the tender can be found at https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Access issues for the Carnarvon Fascine have been an ongoing issue – we know how important being able to access the water is for residents and tourists that visit the region.
“That’s why we’ve allocated $7 million of funding to provide immediate assistance and to fund a long-term solution to the access issues at the Fascine.
“The release of today’s tender is an early milestone in the longer-term Fascine Entryway Project which will address access issues associated with this important waterway and provide significant economic and social benefits to the local community and the State.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The Shire of Carnarvon, the Department of Transport, the Gascoyne Development Commission and the Carnarvon Yacht Club have shown their commitment to finding a long-term solution to this problem that has beset Carnarvon for many years.
“The dedicated work of these groups in implementing an earlier trial dredging campaign is acknowledged and demonstrates the level of community support for a solution to the problem.
“The State Government’s significant funding commitment through the WA Recovery Plan provides immediate assistance while the required investigations are undertaken to find a long-term solution to the access issues at the Fascine.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral MLC Kyle McGinn:
“Whenever I visit Carnarvon people always tell me how important access to and from the Fascine is.
“This $7 million commitment will help with not only a short term solution but help with a long term fix.
“I’m pleased to be a part of the McGowan Government who is committed to delivering for the regions.”
