Published on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 10:31:30 AM
Have your say on the future of local boat ramp facilities
The Shire of Ravensthorpe is inviting ratepayers, residents, boat ramp users, fishers, local businesses, community groups and visitors to have their say on the future of boat launching facilities at Hopetoun, Mason Bay and Starvation Bay.
The Shire is undertaking a Boat Ramp Study to better understand how the community uses these facilities, what issues are currently being experienced, and what improvements may be needed to support safe, practical and fit-for-purpose access into the future.
The project is supported by grant funding through the WA Government’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme and will include community consultation, a condition assessment of existing facilities, development of desirable service levels, and identification of possible improvement options and indicative costings for Council to consider.
Shire President Rachel Gibson said the study was an important opportunity for local people to help inform future planning for coastal boating infrastructure.
“Our boat ramps are highly valued by local residents, recreational fishers, visitors and emergency service users, and each location has its own unique conditions, constraints and opportunities,” the Shire President said.
“This study is about gathering the right information, listening to users, understanding the condition of the facilities, and identifying practical options so Council can make informed decisions about future investment.
“We strongly encourage anyone who uses these facilities, or has an interest in coastal access, boating safety, tourism, fishing, camping or the local environment, to take part.”
Community members can provide feedback by visiting Your Say Ravensthorpe at:
https://yoursay.ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au/
The Shire is also encouraging people to attend consultation workshops in Hopetoun on Thursday the 22 October 2026:
Hopetoun Foreshore – Morning Drop-in Session
22 October at 10.00am
Come down to the foreshore, meet the project team, share your experiences and provide practical feedback about current boat ramp use and future needs.
Hopetoun Community Centre – Evening Session
22 October at 5.00pm
An evening session will also be held for community members who are unable to attend during the day.
Feedback from the survey and workshops will help identify current user needs, access issues, safety considerations, service level expectations and possible improvement measures for each location.
The Shire is particularly interested in hearing from people who use the boating facilities regularly, including recreational fishers, boat owners, local clubs, marine rescue and emergency service volunteers, campers, coastal businesses and families who access the coast for recreation.
Community input will be considered alongside technical assessments and site constraints before options and indicative costings are prepared for Council.
For more information and to complete the survey, visit Your Say Ravensthorpe:
https://yoursay.ravensthorpe.wa.gov.au/
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