The Department of Transport (DoT) has introduced a range of changes to enhance boating safety at Broome.
Kimberley Operations Manager at the DoT, Daren Hutchins said there had been support from the community in relation to four of the five proposed changes as part of the formal Broome Aquatic Use Review process.
“The DoT will increase the current eight-knot area within Gantheaume Bay to encompass Broome Port moorings to ensure skippers travel at a safe speed after more than 70 per cent of respondents to an online survey supported the proposal,” Mr Hutchins said.
“There was also support to increase the eight-knot area within the Broome Port from Entrance Point to Town Beach covering all of the mooring locations, and to remove the historic Personal Water Craft Freestyling Prohibited areas at Gantheaume and Roebuck Bay.”
He said a decision had been made to proceed with the proposed increase in size of the water ski area within Gantheaume Bay, north of the new eight-knot area, after nearly 50 per cent of respondents supported and nearly 40 per cent opposed it.
“This will simplify the boundaries for users, between the new eight-knot area and the closed waters motorised vessels area (Cable Beach), reducing congestion and making boating safer in the area,” Mr Hutchins said.
However, the proposal to reduce the southern boundary of the closed waters motorised vessels area by 255 metres to better accommodate commercial operations in Gantheaume Bay received limited support and would not be implemented.
