Skippers navigating waters off Rottnest Island this spring are urged to take extra care as work begins on a $2.3 million upgrade to key navigation aids in time for summer.
Special on-water safety arrangements will be in place and some delays are anticipated as 11 navigation aids are replaced, including a beacon for the channel at Thomson Bay, the main entry point to the island.
At Rocky Bay, four beacons will be replaced with the same happening at Geordie Bay, on the northern side of the island. Two new beacons will replace the old beacons at Monday Rock and Duck Rock.
The navigation aids are more than 40 years old and have reached the end of their design life. However, design changes and use of high-quality durable products are expected to give each new navigational aid a life span of at least 50 years.
Skippers should exercise caution and strictly maintain a five-knot speed when transiting through Rocky, Geordie and Thomson bays during the works. They should also check the special arrangements in place at Perth notices (transport.wa.gov.au)
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Since being awarded the contract for the project earlier this year, Maritime Constructions Pty Ltd have completed the detailed design, fabrication and planning required for construction to commence as scheduled in October following the busy school holiday period.
“To limit the impact on those visiting the island by boat, work will be restricted from Monday to Friday, until the completion of the project in December.
“The Department of Transport is working closely with the Rottnest Island Authority to implement the project which during the planning, design and construction phases will create approximately 20 direct jobs.
“Additional to the economic boost and job creation, the project will deliver significant safety improvements for those navigating the waters at Rottnest.”
