Arabic version: أستراليا الغربية تتمسك بخطة محطة عبّارات خليج ماتيلدا

According to ABC News, the Western Australian government remains committed to building a ferry terminal at Matilda Bay despite opponents raising concerns about swimmers, children and recreational water users. The planned Metronet project would link ferry services from Matilda Bay and Applecross to a floating pontoon at Elizabeth Quay, although construction has not started.

The Western Australian Planning Commission approved the Matilda Bay location in December last year. A government-commissioned analysis concluded that the site, opposite the University of Western Australia, was the safest option when compared with other locations. It found water activities could continue with adjustments that were still being finalised.

Safety on Swan commissioned risk assessor Paul Chivers, founding director of Riskfacilitator, to review the plan. His report found a high-frequency ferry service in the busy recreational waterway could put people in the water at serious risk of injury or death if struck by a ferry. The report argued that an alternative site at the former JoJo’s restaurant location further along the foreshore would better separate ferries from swimmers and sailors.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti rejected the proposed alternative, saying the government’s assessment considered environmental, operational, waterway-safety and public-transport criteria. The analysis found JoJo’s posed an unacceptable safety risk to windsurfers and kiteboarders and would require ferries to cross vessel traffic lanes in Melville Waters. At Matilda Bay, proposed measures include a wide ferry exclusion zone, reduced ferry speeds and a 40-metre jetty so children and swimmers can remain near the shore.