Hon Steve Martin questions the Minister for Transport regarding potential changes to water speed limits around Matilda Bay due to the Swan River Ferry Service Expansion. The Minister assures that the expansion is anticipated to operate safely without speed limit changes, with a commitment to limit ferry speed and prioritise safety.

AnsweredQoN 756Legislative Council
Asked
21 October 2025
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Minister's response to question 615, a follow up to a question in which it was previously indicated that there are no plans to change water speed limits in the area around Matilda Bay, with the Minister confirming in 615 that this answer did NOT factor in or include consideration of any Swan River Ferry Service Expansion-related plans, and I ask: (a) factoring in the Swan River Ferry Service Expansion program, are there any plans or intentions to change the water speed limits in the area around Matilda Bay; and (b) if yes to (a), given that current speed limits are set based on safety concerns, what is the safety rationale or consideration for any canvassed plans in (a)?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
2 December 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
Response time
9 days
(a)-(b)  It is anticipated that the METRONET on Swan ferry service expansion will be able to operate safely without a change in water speed limits in Matilda Bay and surrounds.
There is a commitment to limit ferry speed to 8 knots when travelling east-west into Matilda Bay.
Should speed limit changes be considered in future, the safety of all users will be prioritised.

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