Cape Peron Tourist Precinct Project - Strategic Environmental Review

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed Cape Peron Tourist Precinct Project.

Recfishwest is the peak body representing the interests of the estimated 643,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia. We are formally recognised and funded by the Government in that role. Recfishwest places the highest priority on preserving the future of recreational fishing and the resources it depends upon in Western Australia.

Our principle concern with the project is the potential for further losses of sea grass in the already threatened area of Mangles Bay. Recfishwest has previously vigorously defended seagrass from any and all new developments and any further losses would impact on the already degraded ecology of Cockburn Sound.

The moorings currently in Mangles Bay are under no form of management and desperately require environmentally suitable moorings. We believe as a minimum trade off for the loss of seagrass for the required dredging that the proponents should upgrade the moorings to the same standards as Rottnest Island, with a preference that the moorings be moved eastward away from the seagrass beds in Mangles Bay. Recfishwest does not support the complete removal of the moorings as we believe the public should have the option for a cheaper alternative to moor their boat other than the proposed marina.

Recfishwest requires an assurance that the water quality of Cockburn Sound will not be compromised by the proposed development. A comprehensive action plan with clearly defined trigger points and defined penalties must be developed should water conditions change. The public would require substantial compensation should water conditions be affected as result of the marina.

Recfishwest has long been concerned about poor water flow through the causeway. The attached letter to the Premier, dated 16th December 2005, highlights the extent of these concerns. We would not like to see the modification of the causeway impact on the water quality of Mangles Bay or cause sediment accretion around the marina entrance. Recfishwest believes a greater response and action plan must be made should this occur.

The protection of the Lake Richmond environment is obviously a major issue controlling the likelihood of this project being granted approval. A detailed
action plan should be developed in the event that any seepage occurs into Lake Richmond.

Recfishwest believes that in order for the development to be truly a community facility it must provide a disabled fishing platform and able body fishing access to fish the rock wall and jetties of the marina. Developers for the Port Coogee Marina were very receptive to our requests for fishing platforms and though not the only factor, subsequently received our full support for the project.

Unfortunately, suitable sites for disabled fishing access are limited. However, marinas provide a perfect opportunity to develop new locations. We would be happy to arrange a meeting with developers when the time arises to choose a site for fishing platforms and their subsequent design.

Effluent disposal is major concern of marinas which provide moorings for a 'large number' of vessels. Appropriate facilities must be put in place to deal with sullage and black water from vessels moored in the marina. The dumping of sullage in Cockburn Sound, or even worse the Marina, will have a devastating effect on water quality. Another water contamination event such as that which recently occurred at Hillarys Marina will not be accepted.

Our final concern is who will pay for the management of the development. Will the responsibility be left with CALM or local council? A clear management plan needs to be developed outlining the responsibilities of organisations.

Recfishwest is willing to give it's conditional support to the project provided that our recommendations mentioned above are incorporated into its development and planning and our questions are able to be fully answered.

Should you require any further information or clarification on any of these recommendations please feel free to contact me on 9246 3366.



This page last updated on 7 April 2006.