An independent risk assessment examining the safety of the Canal Rocks boat ramp is in the hands of the environment minister and is yet to be released publicly.
In parliament last week, environment minister Stephen Dawson confirmed the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions received the $66,370 report in January.
The risk assessment was undertaken after an initial feasibility study was funded by the previous state government to look at safety issues of the facility.
After the study was released the state government wanted to close the boat ramp after its insurer RiskCover advised it would bar all claims and liability arising from the boat ramp.
Two community rallies were held with hundreds of people representing marine rescue, professional and recreational fishermen, boat users, industry bodies, tourism operators and community members to save the boat ramp.
The City of Busselton also commissioned a peer review into the study which found the Canal Rocks boat ramp was no more risky than other exposed ramps in WA.
Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group vice commander and search coordinator Paul Bresland said they hoped the boat ramp would remain open and the finger jetty would be improved so it was safe for everyone.
"We held off training there because of the state the jetty is in now, with missing timber which would damage the rescue boat if we went alongside it," he said.
"We have just stopped training there until it is repaired, if there is an emergency we will launch but you could not go alongside the structure how it is now."
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said they were hopeful the minister would review the risk assessment and risk minimisation strategies to determine the best outcome to ensure the facility remained open to the public in some capacity.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the community had been waiting for more than a year for the government to make a decision on the future of this important public facility.
"I am pleased the minister has reconsidered the original decision to close the ramp and I am hopeful the consultation process will result in maintaining access to this vital infrastructure," she said.
"This boat ramp is a vital link for the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue group responding to emergencies.
"It is a 20 nautical mile trip around this stretch of coast which logistically demonstrates the importance of this facility remaining open.
"I am hopefully that this is recognised in the report with a recommendation to immediately fund the upgrade to address the safety concerns."
Environment minister Stephen Dawson said the risk assessment was under consideration and a decision would be made in due course.
