Additional pens flagged in Esperance Bay Marina redevelopment

The Esperance Bay Marina will be redeveloped as it and the Department of Transport’s Bandy Creek pens are at full capacity, and boat owners are now on a waiting list.

According to the Esperance Bay Yacht Club, 34 static timber and steel pens will be replaced by a floating marina of 56 pens, contained on two fingers within the protection of the rock seawalls.

A public access wharf will have design features which will facilitate cruise ship tenders unloading in sheltered water when cruises restart, while the mooring of local tourist boats and Surf Lifesaving Fast Response jet skis will also be substantially improved.

“Being a floating marina, the relative boat deck to pontoon height will increase accessibility to boating for mobility-limited participants, and facilitate the easier transfer of injured people from emergency services boats to land-based care providers,” a yacht club statement said.

“As a serviceable marina, it will be able to attract more of the passing south coast of Australia recreational boating traffic to pull into Esperance, securely moor and participate in the Esperance economy.”

The rock seawall will be resurfaced and refreshed to maintain it as a public amenity.

The Goldfields Esperance Development Commission has projected a $5 million injection into the local economy during the construction phase, and economic modelling studies show it would stimulate approximately $21.75 million into the local economy after the first year life span of the marina.

“Social benefits flow to the boating and fishing community, tourism, improved access for emergency services, and more people having convenient access to ocean amenity and the stunning Recherche Archipelago,” the Esperance Yacht Club said.

“It will be an important intergenerational asset for the broader Esperance Goldfields community.”

Funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund has secured $2.1 million, with the balance of the project funded by the Esperance Bay Yacht Club.