OIL ON THE WATER

On the evening of Tuesday 27 April there was quite a heavy oil slick on the waters at the west ends of the canals between Brindabella and Nyari and between Nyari and Fistina. It may also have been elsewhere, but it was near dark when the oil was discovered and the darkness prevented further investigation.

In the absence of other agencies that should have been involved, the Water Police attended, but again because of the darkness could do little. However, they returned the next morning and found that much of the oily material had dispersed. They then tried to disperse the remainder by breaking it up with the propellers of their boat.

It is thought that the material was diesel fuel that may have been pumped out of the bilge of a boat.

If you are aware of any other polluted areas or of anyone who may have caused this problem please advise the Dept of Water or Dept of Environment or Marine Safety Division of the Dept of Transport by telephone 9480 9924

Report a spill: marine.pollution@transport.wa.gov.au
 

See pictures here:  Oil Spill in Port Mandurah

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City of Mandurah City Centre Revitalization

PMRA was represented at an 11 February 2010 meeting with local business people and Officers of the City finalising details of how funds of approximately $5.6 million provided by the Federal Government to revitalise the City Centre should be spent.  The City Centre in this case is between Mandurah Terrace and Sutton Street and between Pinjarra Rd and Gibson St.

Plans include extensive (reticulated) tree planting, upgrade of lighting, improved (pedestrian friendly) paving, some undergrounding of powerlines and changes to traffic management and parking.  
Details of current plans can be found on the City of Mandurah website at

http://www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/council/planning/comment

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Sutton Farm : Read more here
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DREDGING Update 14 Jan 2010

Some residents of Port Mandurah have urged that there be an immediate full cutter/suction dredging of the northern entrance to the Port Mandurah canals.  The matter was discussed in detail with the Waterways Manager at the City of Mandurah’s Waterways Advisory Group meeting on 12 January 2010 and again at the PMRA Committee meeting on 13 January 2010.  The discussion at the Committee meeting was prompted by an invitation from the City to put forward items for inclusion in the 2010/11 Budget Formulation process.

PMRA feels that before we commit to another full dredging exercise we need to put structural measures in place to ensure that the channel will remain open for at least 10 years, as it will take this time to rebuild the reserve funds.

There was an agitation dredging exercise carried out in November 2009 that was largely successful, however, two “lumps” were missed. (see full survey on the website).  The Committee has recommended that these lumps, and some silting adjacent to Henry Sutton Reserve, be removed using an excavator and barge.  The estimate for this is less than $40,000 rather than a full dredging operation that could cost $500,000 (which would more that exhaust all the reserve funds collected via the SAR and held by the Council).

The Council was unable to obtain the enduring dredging licence that was expected that would permit dredging at short notice as/when required. The last licence took 23 months to obtain and the approval process cost as much as the entire agitation dredging operation. This is a disgraceful state of affairs that must be addressed.  PMRA and the Waterways Manager and staff were unable to address the dredging issue during this 23 month period.  Criticism should be directed elsewhere.

PMRA carried out a survey that established that approx 85% of traffic using the canals is by craft not owned by Port Mandurah residents.  In recognition of this, the City increased its contribution to the SAR by 30% to 41%, thus reducing the amount required to be contributed by residents.  And finally, the City is considering buying its own dredge.  PMRA is awaiting a detailed proposal.

View November 2009 Agitation Dredging Results here

Pre-Dredge Survey 688KB download

Post-Dredge Reconciliation Survey 20 Nov 09  159KB download

Mandurah New Chart Datum 33KB download

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Agitation Dredging Report November 2009

An Agitation dredging exercise was conducted during the nights of 2—5th November.  The time-critical dredging had to be done at the peak out-flowing tide and, while we are awaiting the results of the survey, we know that a significant volume of sediment was removed from the dangerously shallow Northern Entrance channel.

The choice to go with “Agitation” dredging at this time was made after some 18 months of negotiation to seek approval from the various authorities.  A full “cutter-suction” dredging will have to be undertaken in the near future (preferable, but at about a ten fold cost) and plans and options are already being canvassed.

A few problems were encountered with the positioning of the vessel and anchoring at night in the fast-flowing water during the agitation process was difficult.  We have received some complaints about depth variability, but PMRA will await the survey results before considering initiating any further dredging.  As soon as the survey is available it will be posted on the website and the safest route will be recommended.

PMRA commends the tireless nocturnal contribution of the City’s Waterways Management team, Dr Neil Carroll, Steve Smith and Chris Abbiss.

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Past items of interest on Local Issues:

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There will be NO ROLLER COASTER CONCERT
in December 2009 in Hall Park Mandurah

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JETTIES - A RAW DEAL

Following a long history of unsatisfactory dialogue between many Port Mandurah residents and the Dept of Transport, PMRA wrote to the Minister for Transport on 14th August 2009 formally requesting a transfer of responsibility for jetty administration to the City of Mandurah.
Read our letter here.

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SILTING IN VICINITY OF NORTHERN ENTRANCE

A permanent solution using a barrier extending east from Henry Sutton Grove is being given serious consideration despite initial opposition from the Dept. of Transport.  View the plan here.

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NEW BUNBURY HIGHWAY OPENED
20th September 2009
Go to New Bunbury Highway Project web site

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PEEL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PCF aims to strengthen our local community with worthwhile projects to enhance the region and environment. 
Go to Peel Community Foundation web site

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COASTCARE

The Mandurah Coastcare Co-ordinating Committee is a committee formed by the City of Mandurah to enable the Community via Coastcare Co-ordinators to advise on general coastal management issues to help protect our coast. Do your bit to protect the natural vegetation and dune surfaces which will reduce the risk of blow-outs from wind and destabilised dunes being blown inland or washed out to sea:

Use the access paths provided

Don't sand board on the dunes

Pick up litter on the beaches

Don't dump garden rubbish in the dunes as this will create weed problems

4-wheel-driving and riding motor bikes in the dunes will cause significant permanent damage.

Join Mandurah Coastcare by telephoning Community Landcare Officer on 9550 3935 or by registering on line from City of Mandurah Community Coast Care

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Development of New By-Laws for Jetties & Boat Lifters:
An evolving document has been prepared by PMRA and has been provided to the City of Mandurah.  Comments on the document are invited. 
Read the document here.

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Review of the Specified Area Rate:
PMRA has made a formal submission to the City of Mandurah in relation to their Review of the Specified Area Rate [SAR].
Read our submission here.

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Do you need maintenance work on Council property in your neighbourhood? 

Click here to go to the City of Mandurah's web site, scroll to Form No 40, Compliance Request Form, or to send an email click on this link: council@mandurah.wa.gov.au if you have a complaint about the lack of garden maintenance and any other matters that comes under their jurisdiction, such as damaged fencing; damaged shrubbery; bus-stops pulled out; street lights not working; in fact anything that causes you concern.  If we don't complain nothing happens.  

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Click for October 2009 Mozzie Update from City of Mandurah

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Roller Coaster Festival in Hall Park
Article in the Mandurah Mail [1 Jan 2009]
Is Mandurah really "rough around the edges?"
Read more here

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Dredging the Northern Entrance
Article in Coastal Times (22 October 2008)
Read more here

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Traffic Management Modifications
Changes to Mandurah CBD (October 2008)
Read more here

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Stealing from Boats (October 2008)
In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents of stealing from boats in Port Mandurah.

In Picaroon Place canal, stealing of goods

In Starfire Close canal on 25th August 2008 at approximately 2.30am, damage

In Nyari Court/Fistina Ramble canal, stealing of goods and tools

These incidents, combined with the burglary of a house on Aztec Island, highlight the need to be vigilant with security.

Residents would be well advised to keep their properties locked, security alarms on and remove valuables from boats.

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Boat Mooring Survey
Decision made that there is no need to introduce new bylaws restricting the size of boat that can be moored in the Port Mandurah precinct.
 

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Graffiti (May 20 2008)
There are new graffiti reporting contacts for Mandurah. Now, if you see graffiti it can be reported by phone to 1800 44 22 55 or by email to goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au

It is recommended that graffiti be reported as soon as it is noticed so that it can be removed before the so called graffiti “artist” gets any satisfaction from the public display of his/her “art”.

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Hire Boats and Water Taxis
Catch a cab from your jetty? (30/04/08)
Read more here.

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Sailing Museum Opens its Doors (07/03/08)
Read more here