The State Government is calling for expressions of interest for new boat pens proposed for Geraldton.

In Geraldton today for a regional meeting of State Cabinet, Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said 50 new pens for Batavia Coast Marina were planned if there was sufficient interest.

Mr O'Brien said that the proposed construction project would rely on boaters pre-paying pen licence fees.

“Growth in the recreational boating sector in recent years has increased demand for mooring facilities throughout the State and there are long waiting lists for pens at Batavia Coast Marina," he said.

In Western Australia, during the past 10 years the number of larger registered vessels measuring more than 7.5m in length has increased from 4,000 in 1998 to 7,200 in 2008 - an increase of 3,200 vessels or more than 40 per cent.

Department of Transport projections show that with sustained high growth in the sector by 2025 the number of these vessels could double.

The Minister said the Geraldton pen project would be based on the recently completed $3million pen project at Fremantle, which, for the first time in WA, saw pens allocated by public ballot and the pre-payment of licence fees to cover construction costs.

"During the next few weeks, the Department of Transport will advertise for expressions of interest in the new pens at Geraldton,” he said.

“People will be asked to complete documentation clarifying the size of pen required and pay a deposit.

"Following the expression of interest period, the department will assess the level of commitment from potential penholders and establish the scale of each project.

“Tenders will then be called for the design and construction of the pens based on the information received."

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney welcomed the initiative and said that infrastructure investment of this kind had incalculable benefits, created jobs and assisted in putting Geraldton on the map as a boating hub.

“Recreational boating is such an important part of life for so many of us in the Geraldton community,” Mr Blayney said.

“However as this project is solely reliant on community involvement, I urge all of those interested in obtaining a pen to lodge an expression of interest.”

People wanting further information can contact the department on 9216 8839 or visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/geraldtonandexmouthpens

Expressions of interest must be received by Friday, 4 September, 2009.

Minister's office - 9213 6400

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