Electric boats are now welcome on Wellington Dam after the state government lifted a ban on non-petrol powered vessels.
The Barnett Government opened an area around Potter’s Gorge to water skiing and power boats in 2014, but excluded passive electric vehicles from being able to travel the national park’s extensive waterways.
In 2015, an Aquatic Use Review conducted by the Department of Transport considered opening the entire ‘closed waters’ of Wellington Dam to all vessels with a speed limit of five knots.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions didn’t support opening the dam due to the limited facilities and the risk of environmental damage caused by increased noise and engine pollutants.
Since the Aquatic Use Review there had been public pressure from the Collie community to have changes made to allow electric boats on the dam’s waters.
The new arrangements, implemented with the support of Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, mean dam users can now travel around the park’s waterways on electric-powered vessels.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the changes would allow campers and anglers to use the pollutant-free boats to enjoy the dam, without causing distress to the environment or the natural ambiance of the area.
- Collie Mail
