Something’s rotten in Denmark
Plan to close Ocean Beach launching facility in Denmark WA at peak timeDenmark’s fishing and boating community is this week up in arms following a plan by the local council to close ocean beach boat launching facility during the Christmas holiday period and the Easter long weekend.
The council is citing public safety concerns as justification for this proposal following an incident in which a boat came too close to a surfer.
Denmark Boating and Angling Club president Don Smith expressed his disappointment at the idea, explaining that Ocean Beach provided the only safe boat launching location for over 30km.
Local residents and visitors have been safely launching boats at Ocean Beach for generations, he said.
This type of management by exclusion does not return the maximum benefit to the wider community, Mr Smith added.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland questioned the local council’s proposal.
"Recfishwest supports fair and equitable access to what is a long term boat launching location," said Dr Rowland.
"The Department of Transport does a great job managing this small shared-use area where the safety of all users has been well considered.
"Common sense should prevail and the local council should continue to defer to the Department of Transport in providing a solution which maintains shared use," Dr Rowland said.
Denmark is a popular location for tourists, especially for anglers. During the Easter salmon run, fishers by the hundreds flock to the region to catch this prized sport fish.
Recfishwest said that prior to council intervention the matter was discussed between local community groups and government agencies with a resolution to continue to manage the area for all users without need for a closure of the launching facility.
Recfishwest is calling on all concerned fishers and boaters to ensure their views on this issue are expressed to the council. Comments can be made directly to the shire by emailing enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au
The Shire of Denmark is seeking comment on this issue by Monday December 8.
For further information and background, submitters are encouraged to refer to the item that was considered by Council at its meeting of 21 October 2014 (available by download http://www.denmark.wa.gov.au/minutes---21-october-2014).
Comments are invited and must be in writing and received by 4.00pm, Monday, December 8, 2014 or by email to enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au.v
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