Shire call for $10 million from State Government as thousands expected to flood Windy Harbour in the new year

A South West shire is calling on the State Government to cough up $10 million to support communities set to be swamped with the demersal fishing ban coming into affect. The controversial 21-month-ban came into effect on January 1, with the Shire of Manjimup warning the closure will drive a big increase in visitors numbers to small coastal towns. The shire said Windy Harbour, a small holiday settlement with limited facilities, was recognised as the closest South West boat launching site to the areas affected by the closure, making it a key destination for day-trippers and weekend anglers from Perth to Augusta. Visitor numbers are are already surging, with the strain on local services expected to increase. The shire claims the State’s current Fisheries Support Package does not address the downstream impacts or the longstanding infrastructure challenges faced by these communities. At its December meeting, the Shire of Manjimup council resolved to formally request the State Government to allocate a minimum of $10m in specific grant funding for essential public infrastructure upgrades in Windy Harbour and Walpole. This was to ensure these communities can safely and effectively manage the expected increase in visitation during the closure period. Councillors also called for specific and ongoing operational and financial support for local health services, bushfire and emergency response services, marine rescue groups, volunteer organisations and community services, to assist in managing the predicted surge in visitor activity resulting from the recreational fishing closure. In a recent press release, shire president Donelle Buegge said recreational fishers would adjust their activities to avoid the ban and local infrastructure and services will feel the impact. “Roads, parking, boat ramps, public amenities, emergency access and volunteer-based services are already operating at or near capacity” she said. “Local governments and volunteer-based services are on the frontline of managing increased visitation. “Where a mandated State policy has clear and predictable impacts on small communities, it is reasonable for the State Government to provide targeted, compensatory support.” The Shire of Manjimup has since requested a meeting with the State Government to discuss priority infrastructure and service needs in detail.