Flinders Bay Accessibility and Safety Improvements

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.