A total of 65 new boat pens at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour will help meet a dramatic increase in demand for moorings for large recreational vessels in Western Australia.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new pens would be built as part of a staged program to renew harbour infrastructure.

Ms MacTiernan said the $2.31million construction project would be funded by the prepayment of five year leases by penholders.

“Our strong economy in WA has seen growth in the recreational boating sector and increased demand for berthing facilities, especially in the metropolitan area,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“This initiative will partly address the current shortage of pens and the Government will continue to work with the private sector to provide more new berthing facilities.”

The Minister said that over the past 10 years, the number of registered vessels measuring more than 7.5 metres in length had increased from 2,998 in 1996 to 4,598 in 2006 – an increase of 1,600 vessels or 53 per cent.

In addition, Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) projections indicated that with sustained high growth in the sector, the number of these vessels could more than double by 2025.

“While activities at Fremantle are traditionally associated with the fishing and commercial sector, there is growing recognition that part of the recreational fleet could be accommodated at the facility,” the Minister said.

“Jetty design improvements will provide an increased area for berths within the facility, which could be available to recreational vessels as well as to fishing and commercial vessels.”

Ms MacTiernan said the first stage of the renewal program would see the refurbishment and extension of an existing jetty in the south eastern corner of the harbour (Jetty One) along Capo D’Orlando Drive.

“The work will include the construction of a modern pen system designed to better withstand the prevailing conditions,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“Future stages will involve replacing existing adjoining jetties along Capo D’Orlando Drive adding another 100 pens, bringing the total estimated capacity to 350.

“The DPI has commenced planning and design work and it is anticipated that the first stage of the renewal will be ready in early 2008.”

The Minister said the Department would call for expressions of interest later this year for the new pens. The cost of the pens would be set at an appropriate market rate.

More information about the project is available from the Department’s harbour manager on 9431 1023.