A group of Yallingup residents, business owners and marine rescue volunteers are celebrating after the state government announced the Canal Rocks boat ramp would remain open to everyone.
The group played an instrumental role in ensuring the boat ramp remained open and organised two community rally's to protest the state government's decision to close the ramp.
Over the past decade, the boat ramp has been at risk of closure due to safety concerns associated with its use.
Last week, environment minister Stephen Dawson announced a risk assessment report had recommended the boat ramp remain open for public use, with ongoing works to improve its safety.
It was the third time since 2017 an assessment had been conducted on the boat ramp after an initial feasibility study was commissioned by the previous state government.
The initial report pushed the state government to announce it would close the boat ramp to all users, excluding emergency services, after its insurer RiskCover advised it would bar all claims and liability arising from the boat ramp.
The City of Busselton commissioned a peer review which found the boat ramp was no more risky than other exposed ramps in WA.
Following the latest review, Mr Dawson said works would be undertaken to improve safety include moving the finger jetty to the western side of the ramp and increasing its width to allow for safer use. It also recommended that the ramp be realigned to better suit the predominant wave direction.
While upgrades are planned, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions would keep the boat ramp open to all users and install improved signage to inform users of any risks.
Business owner Steve Mitchell said while it was not sour grapes from the group when you looked at how the events unfolded it started in the lower echelons and became a political issue.
"If it was not for the sea rescue volunteers Canal Rocks would have been gated and no community members would be using the ramp today," he said.
"The sea rescue guys need to be applauded for how they approached the situation, honestly if it was not for them no community member would have access to the ramp right now.
"The reality is it was unsafe to shut the ramp, having the ramp open is about our safety so our marine volunteers can go and do rescues at the drop of a hat.
"As a tourism operator I need access to the ramp - we all do - all the community does."
David Hunt said it had been a frustrating process and a lot of energy, anger and money had been wasted which could have been directed to repair the boat ramp.
"It really is a shame the community was subjected to this nonsense really," he said.
Yallingup resident Glen Wakelin said he was so stoked the ramp would remain open and it was a positive outcome for the whole area.
"It was a no-brainer to keep it open," he said.
Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue volunteer Scott Lane said it was ironic an Irishman, Englishman, South African and New South Welshman made a decision about something three hours South of Perth.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was fantastic to see how the community rallied together to protest the decision to close the ramp.
"I do not think the government anticipated what the community reaction would be," she said.
Environment minister Stephen Dawson said the Canal Rocks boat ramp was highly valued by fishermen, divers and tourism operators, and he knew many would be relieved to hear that it would not have restricted access.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said they were really happy with the outcome and that marine rescue volunteers, fishermen and other boat users would be pleased as well.
Mr Henley said there was a good consultation effort after the second study which looked into the safety of the boat ramp.
"It is a good outcome and one the community will appreciate, we commend the minister for that," he said.
