June Update

IT IS PLEASING:

That: The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra are delighted that at a press release on Friday 10 June at the Mandurah Western Foreshore, Port Bouvard Limited confirmed that they will be providing a generous donation which will allow for three full-page advertisements in local newspapers promoting the 6th Annual Peel Region Canoe Week, Saturday August 27 – Sunday 11 September 2011. (Schedule will be emailed to Canoe Trail Friends as soon a it is available normally late July)
The release was attended by representatives Port Bouvard Limited, Mandurah Mail, Coastal Times and Canoe Trail Friends

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That: It is on now, 2011 Peel Region Canoe Week’s, “Amateur e Photographic Competition”
Open to all amateur photographers, not just canoeists and kayakers
Prize for winner of each of the three categories:
Paddling Action: A Ricoh CX2 Camera. Donated by Mandurah Camera House and Duty Free. Valid to 30/11/ 2011.
Habitat Birds: Family of Two Adults and Two Children (3 --12 years), on the Murray River Lunch Cruise aboard the "Peel Princess", which includes a meal at The Clansman Restaurant. Valid to 30/11/2011. Donated by Murray Ferry
Cruises and Clansman Restaurant
Habitat Mammals: Ticket for One Adult to Swim with Wild Dolphins - Rockingham Wild Encounters. Donated by Rockingham Wild Encounters. Valid to 30/11/2011

Information, terms and conditions see Competition link, at the Community section, top of the Mandurah Mail web page – www.mandurahmail.com.au

We thank Mandurah Mail’s Dale Evans (Manager) and Darren O’Dea (Editor) for supporting this competition
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That: Thanks to Shire of Murray’s, Grant Bilton, Woodlands Parade Launch Site has been greatly improved with sand on beach, and bollards on roadway

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IT IS NOT PLEASING:

That: The Department of Transport is promoting unrestricted boating speeds for Sticks Channel (currently 12 knots)

The channel adjacent to Sticks Channel that leads into Mandurah Marina is officially sign posted at an 8-knot speed limit, is this also to be unrestricted?

Major Safety Issue: For Sticks Channel to have either an increased speed limit or an open slather policy which leaves it up to the boat user to determine what speed is safe defies comprehension, this in a channel which is chaotic in holiday periods

All types of boating including, Private and Hire House Boats, Commercial Tour Boats, Private and Hire “Party” Boats, Jet Skis, Fan Boats, Runabouts and Paddle Craft use Sticks Channel

Paddling Issue: From a paddler’s perspective to hear a Departmental Officer based in Mandurah say “but you wouldn’t paddle there” (Sticks Channel) was incredible to say the least, especially when the Department of Environment and Conservation have published a Canoe Guide showing the channel

Dolphin Issue (reference Marine Biologist):

Increase in boating speeds in shallow waters (Sticks Channel is only dredged to 1.5 metres) result in:

Increased risk of strikes or hits on dolphins, particularly new mums with calves

The resultant increase in noise pollution (due to increased speeds) disturbs dolphin’s sonar and communication and causes stress.

Repetitive and longer dive time is required by dolphins to avoid boats, which in turn increases general stress levels.

With calving female dolphins, there is the potential for decreased reproductive success (calf injury and poor nutritional value of her milk due to stress), and a major negative impact on feeding patterns for all dolphins.

Are increased speeds being considered for other locations?

Southern Harvey Estuary: Of concern is an impression that the 4-knot boating speed limit applicable to the environmentally sensitive Southern Harvey Estuary may be increased

Action: Steps are being taken to create awareness of the above and for environmental groups as well as boating groups to be involved in any decision making process