Recfishwest Policy
Fishing Jetties, Wharves and Platforms

Preamble.

This Recfishwest Policy covers jetties, wharves and fishing platforms used for fishing in Western Australia.

Recfishwest is concerned at continuing and increasing threats to access to fishing locations and facilities arising from a variety of sources; see related policies below.

In this policy, the term "jetties" includes all fishing platforms which have regularly or traditionally been used by recreational anglers for fishing. The term includes all such structures attached to or forming parts of bridges, wharves, groynes, etc, whether designated for fishing or not.

Importance of Jetties.

Recreational angling from jetties is both a sport and a recreational activity which is extremely important for children, families, the elderly and the disabled. Without access to jetties, many of these people would be unable to participate in recreational angling. Jetties are also an amenity enjoyed by the wider community, particularly tourists and sightseers, as demonstrated by the extensive usage of the Busselton Jetty.

Relatively few jetties are left, and the remainder are extremely important to recreational anglers. Western Australia's population and the numbers of recreational anglers are increasing, yet the number of jetties available to recreational anglers is decreasing over the years instead of increasing in line with population numbers as they should to cater for the increasing need.

Funding for Jetties.

The importance of jetties to recreational anglers must be recognised and adequate funding must be provided as for many other community sport and recreation facilities. Adequate funding must be provided from all levels of federal, state and local government.

Funding and sponsorship from corporate, business and private sources should be encouraged and acknowledged.

Funding sources could include recreational salt water fishing licences if ever introduced in future and if allocated in accordance with the rules to be developed for using money from such licences.

Demolition of Jetties.

Unfortunately, Western Australia has a history of failing to make provision for funding of the maintenance and repairs of jetties and neglecting the maintenance until the repairs become very expensive. With few or insufficient funds reserved, complete demolition of the jetty is then presented as the only financial option left.

Recfishwest does not accept that the remaining jetties and platforms should be allowed to be closed or demolished due to the failure to carry out maintenance and repairs. Recfishwest policy is that all such demolition proposals must considered by comprehensive consultation with the community, and all possible options to retain some recreational fishing access must be included.

Recfishwest urges bodies responsible for the maintenance of jetties to make adequate provision for funding of repairs and to carry out regular maintenance of jetties under their control.

Access to Jetties.

The recent issues of public liability and security has resulted in access to some jetties being restricted or closed. Recfishwest does not accept that access to jetties should be restricted using the fear or claim of public liability issues inherent in the acts of being on or fishing from jetties.

Government must resolve any general public liability issues to ensure that jetties remain open to recreational anglers. Recfishwest accepts that jetties used for other purposes may not be able to be open for recreational fishing in all parts or at all times.

Recfishwest does not accept the full time closure of community owned or funded jetties or parts of jetties simply because these might be needed by another user group at some times.

Recfishwest policy is that restrictions should only be those essential to ensure public safety or efficiency by the other users, and that such jetties or parts are available to recreational anglers at all other times.

Recfishwest policy is that all possible and practical alternatives to closure for security reasons should be considered by comprehensive consultation with the community before any closure.

Proposals for Jetties and Waterfront Developments.

Recfishwest's Coastal Access Policy states that access to all river and ocean shores should be available to everyone. Recfishwest policy is that every possible opportunity should be taken to add jetties or fishing platforms to all bridges and to new waterfront developments which restrict access to areas of water or to the previous shoreline. Such access for recreational anglers should form part of the developer's or authority's obligation to contribute back to the community in return for what would otherwise be their exclusive use of these river and ocean shores.

Recfishwest registers an interest and requests to be advised and to be consulted about all proposals for new or upgrades to jetties, bridges, wharves, groynes, waterfront developments, etc. Recfishwest will assist with the general requirements for such angling facilities and will provide advice on specific proposals to ensure that these give the best possible facilities for recreational anglers.

Access to Private Jetties.

Recfishwest policy is to encourage owners of existing private jetties to allow access to their jetties by recreational anglers. This should be acknowledged as part of their contribution to the community in return for what would otherwise be their exclusive use of these river and ocean shores.

Recreational anglers who value access to fishing locations would never do anything to limit that access. Unfortunately, just like a small proportion of the general community, some recreational anglers do things which are not socially acceptable. These people should not spoil the access for the great majority of anglers who are completely responsible.

Recfishwest supports appropriate sanctions against people who commit socially unacceptable acts. Such sanctions could include refusal of access to these people. Recfishwest will assist private jetty owners to develop a Code of Conduct for the use of their jetties by recreational anglers.

Related Recfishwest Access Policies.

Access through Pastoral Leases
Vehicular Beach Access
Marine Reservation and No-take Zones



This page last updated June 2004.