• Tender awarded for works on the new Canal Rocks boat ramp and jetty
• Works due to start in early November

Upgrades to the popular Canal Rocks boat ramp and jetty are set to commence shortly with the tender awarded for construction.

Advanteering Civil Engineers will start upgrades to the jetty and boat ramp, which is located along the pristine Leeuwin-Naturaliste coast, about four kilometres south of Yallingup.

It will see the existing boat ramps and jetty replaced by a newly aligned boat ramp and a 1.8 metre-wide, wheelchair accessible jetty that extends 48 metres seaward. These upgrades will address the safety concerns previously raised by emergency services and other users of the old facility.

The McGowan Government is investing $1.6 million into the upgrades through a combination of a Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme grant from the Department of Transport, and funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Works are due to start early next month with the site ready for use towards the end of January 2021.

The boat ramp and jetty will be closed for up to three months during construction. DBCA has liaised with Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue, WA Water Police and the Department of Transport on timing of the closure.

Canal Rocks is a popular site for local fishermen, divers and tourism operators and they will be among the community groups set to benefit once these works are completed.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Canal Rocks is an important facility for both recreational users and tourism operators and these works will allow people to enjoy the site safely.

"The McGowan Government's initiatives to encourage regional tourism will no doubt see more people visiting this area in the future.

"It's also great to see a Western Australian business carrying out the works, which will generate local jobs and boost the local economy."

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The McGowan Government is committed to providing safe and reliable infrastructure for Western Australia's boating community through the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme.

"Given the popularity of the Canal Rocks site with locals and tourists alike, I'm pleased we're able to support the construction of a new boat ramp and jetty. 

"With the construction tender now awarded, works can commence next month supporting local jobs."