The Canal Rocks boat ramp is set to close after a feasibility study, which was funded by the previous state government, to look at safety issues of the facility.
Vasse MP Libby Mettam said she was disappointed with the outcome and had sought funding to address safety issues which had been raised about the facility by the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group and recreational users of the boat ramp.
Ms Mettam said she had not been able to obtain a copy of the feasibility study and was disappointed it would be shut down rather than make it safer.
She said it would now be a 20 nautical mile round trip for the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue group which utilised the Yallingup boat ramp during call outs.
“My primary concern is for the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue group and their ability to utilise the boat ramp, particularly going into the summer,” she said.
“The imminent closure of the boat ramp, used by both commercial and recreational users will put additional pressure on other boat ramps in the region and will create safety issues.
“Removing this vital access point has the potential to put hours on a rescue, and also create additional safety issues for a sea rescue response who would then have to go around the Cape, from Quindalup to respond to emergencies.
“It is vital our Western Coastline maintains a boat ramp facility for emergency service vessels as a priority but other boat users as well.
“I have written to the Minister for Environment requesting his urgent reconsideration of this decision,” said Ms Mettam.