After years of community campaigning to see the Canal Rocks boat ramp remain open, the state government has announced more than $650,000 in funding to upgrade the facilities.
The upgrades, driven by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, will see the ramp realigned and a wider, extended jetty built to allow for safe landing and departure.
The original boat ramp had been in use since the 1970s, until new facilities were constructed in 2002, and provides crucial access for the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue group.
The boat ramp has been at risk of closure in recent years, after a 2017 report concluded that its continued use presented a risk to public safety.
The news saw hundreds of residents rally against the proposed closure, with Vasse MLA Libby Mettam tabling a petition with more than 3,300 signatures in parliament in November, 2017.
The state's peak recreational fishing body Recfishwest also organised a petition against the move, which gathered more than 4,000 signatures.
In March, the state government overturned the decision, announcing the ramp would remain open.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the replacement and realignment of the ramp would allow for safer landings and provide the local Volunteer Marine Rescue with a safer option to carry out rescues.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was great to see the project receive the investment it deserved.
"This is an fantastic outcome and I congratulate the community once again for their huge effort to overturn the McGowan government decision to close the boat ramp and realise this investment," she said.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions spokesperson confirmed the department was working through environmental and heritage approvals, but expected to advertise tenders for construction in mid 2020.
It is anticipated that construction works will begin in late spring 2020 and take two to three months to complete.
