Flinders Bay Accessibility and Safety Improvements

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With the opening of the new Augusta Boat Harbour in late 2014, the old boat ramps and jetty at Flinders Bay were permanently closed for boating activities. Since this time the area around the old jetty and disused boat ramps has become a popular swimming spot, with people accessing both the jetty and boat ramps as part of recreational swimming activities.

As the boat ramps were constructed to cater for launching boats and not designed for people to enter into the water, barricades and exclusory signs were installed, discouraging access onto the often very slippery and dangerous old ramps. Unfortunately, people have frequently been observed to ignore these measures, highlighting a community safety risk in leaving the old boat ramps in their current state.

At the same time there have been ongoing calls from the community for improved universal beach and water access within the region, that would allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our beautiful beaches and safe swimming areas. With many of our beaches unsuitable for universal access, the provision of a wheelchair accessible ramp or similar improved access at the old Flinders Bay boat ramps offers a rare opportunity, based on existing optimal site conditions, for adaptation of the old ramps to cater for inclusive water access.

Stage 1 of improvements to the old boat ramps is to develop a concept plan that would guide detailed design. You can help us to further develop the initial plan by answering a few quick questions.

With the opening of the new Augusta Boat Harbour in late 2014, the old boat ramps and jetty at Flinders Bay were permanently closed for boating activities. Since this time the area around the old jetty and disused boat ramps has become a popular swimming spot, with people accessing both the jetty and boat ramps as part of recreational swimming activities.

As the boat ramps were constructed to cater for launching boats and not designed for people to enter into the water, barricades and exclusory signs were installed, discouraging access onto the often very slippery and dangerous old ramps. Unfortunately, people have frequently been observed to ignore these measures, highlighting a community safety risk in leaving the old boat ramps in their current state.

At the same time there have been ongoing calls from the community for improved universal beach and water access within the region, that would allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our beautiful beaches and safe swimming areas. With many of our beaches unsuitable for universal access, the provision of a wheelchair accessible ramp or similar improved access at the old Flinders Bay boat ramps offers a rare opportunity, based on existing optimal site conditions, for adaptation of the old ramps to cater for inclusive water access.

Stage 1 of improvements to the old boat ramps is to develop a concept plan that would guide detailed design. You can help us to further develop the initial plan by answering a few quick questions.

  • Council Decision

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    On the 13 May 2020 Council decided not to proceed any further with investigation into accessibility and safety improvements at Flinders Bay boat ramps and jetty as outlined in the report to Council. Instead, Council has requested the implementation of low cost improvements including a shower hose and bench to be installed next to the existing shower. Investigation into these improvements is now underway.

    In addition, Council has requested that Shire Officers conduct further investigation to determine the most appropriate site to provide universal access to a swimming beach in and around Augusta region, including possible provision of a beach wheelchair. Investigation into suitable locations will occur later in the year.

    This page will be renamed and updated at key stages to reflect progression of the investigation into the most appropriate site within the Augusta region to provide universal access to a swimming beach.



  • Consultation results

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    We are pleased to publish the results from this consultation, which you can download and read here. This will be presented to Councillors on the 13 May 2020. The outcome will be shared on this news feed - in the meantime if you would like to discuss please contact the project officer.

Page last updated: 28 Aug 2023, 10:43 AM