- Multifaceted $7 million Fascine Entryway Project now complete
- Ocean access improved with dredging and spit stabilisation
- $2.1 million pen project and ramp upgrades delivered at Carnarvon Boat Harbour
- Investment pays ongoing dividends for Carnarvon and WA
The Cook Government has delivered on its promise to improve ocean access at Carnarvon's Fascine after undertaking one of Western Australia's most demanding technical investigations of coastal processes, lasting infrastructure improvements and completing one of the largest dredging and sand stabilisation campaigns the waterway has seen.
The recent completion of work to stabilise the sand spit at the entrance to the Fascine marked the completion of the multifaceted three-year $7 million Fascine Entryway Project funded by the State Government.
Managed by the Department of Transport (DoT), the project initially included a range of short-term measures to assist commercial and recreational skippers while technical studies were undertaken to find out more about the silting at the mouth of the waterway, including the relocation of tide restricted access vessels to Carnarvon Boat Harbour with fee relief.
A $2.1 million pen project with 16 modern, floating pens accommodating vessels up to 15 metres long was completed in 2022, increasing by 50 per cent the number of pens and berths available at Carnarvon Boat Harbour.
Last year, a planned $3 million dredging campaign commenced after a series of technical studies, undertaken over two years, which confirmed that built options to improve vessel access were not viable long-term solutions.
Dredging saw more than 150,000 cubic metres of material relocated to stabilise the sand spit at the entrance to the waterway. There's also been work to revegetate the spit and navigation aids have been installed to mark the channel for mariners.
Find out more about the Carnarvon Fascine Entryway and Boat Harbour Pen Project
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"The completion of work to improve access to the Fascine follows close collaboration between DoT, the Shire of Carnarvon, Gascoyne Development Commission and Carnarvon Yacht Club.
"The shared commitment to the project from all parties has delivered a great result for boat owners, the Carnarvon community and the Gascoyne region.
"The investment has not only delivered improved ocean access and safer navigation, but also lasting improvements to infrastructure and ongoing benefits from a better understanding of the local coastal processes."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Whenever I visit Carnarvon people always tell me how important access to and from the Fascine is and our Government has been committed to finding a long-term solution to this issue.
"Congratulations to the Shire of Carnarvon, the Department of Transport, the Gascoyne Development Commission and the Carnarvon Yacht Club, who have shown their dedication to this project over the years.
"This project is a significant investment in the region's local economy and created more than 30 new jobs for the Carnarvon community during the works."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
"The completion of this project represents a great win for the Carnarvon community and demonstrates the Cook Government's commitment to the Gascoyne region.
"As well as providing for safer navigation for our boating community, the works have improved the amenity of the town for tourists and local residents to enjoy.
"Local job opportunities were also boosted with approximately 32 positions supported during the works as well as significant local investment in the region's economy."
