The Department of Transport (DoT) has published a new series of regional maritime planning studies which predict significant growths in recreational boat ownership.
Releasing the studies the Department said the predicted growth would produce a demand for facilities and, to meet this, it had developed a blueprint of recommendations to meet the needs of the boating population in the area.
“By 2036, the number of recreational vessels in Western Australia is expected to increase from around 100,000 currently to around 140,700 vessels,” the Department said.
“The number of recreational trailer vessels in the South-West region is expected to grow by 41 per cent by 2036 to just over 18,500 from 13,100 in 2020,” it said.
“The forecast growth will drive the need for additional boat ramp lanes in the South-West by 2036.”
The Department said overall boat ownership growth in the Mid-West was expected to grow by 43 per cent by 2036, with the demand for facilities anticipated to be from larger vessels with additional moorings required.
Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti said the eight regional planning studies provided, for the first time, a blueprint for Local Authorities and the State to meet the growing need for recreational boating facilities.
“This is a major step forward in maritime planning in WA and will have major benefits for the boating community as the popular pastime continues its growth,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The majority of the initiatives outlined in the recommendations are eligible for funding under DoT’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme, which was implemented in 1998 to improve facilities and has funded 456 projects worth approximately $47.9 million,” she said.
