Hon. Sally Talbot questions the Minister for Transport regarding the distribution and accessibility of metropolitan area navigation warnings, particularly in the Mandurah and Peel region, and the refusal to include the Mandurah Volunteer Marine Rescue Group in the email distribution list. The Minister responds outlining current practices and a trial to improve access.

AnsweredQoN 830Legislative Council
Asked
6 September 2016
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORT — METROPOLITAN AREA NAVIGATION WARNINGS
830. Hon SALLY TALBOT to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the regular email sent by the Department of
Transport marine services containing metropolitan area navigation warnings.
(1) Who is the email sent to?
(2) Can the
minister confirm that the warnings are broadcast on VHF channel 67 and that the
majority of boats in Mandurah and Peel inland and ocean waters are unable to
receive these transmissions?
(3) Can the
minister confirm that the department has received requests from the Mandurah
Volunteer Marine Rescue Group to be included in the email so they can broadcast
the warnings on a local frequency?
(4) If yes to (3), why has this request been refused?

AnswerView source ↗

(1) It is sent to WA Police through its water police marine
operations centre in East Fremantle.
(2) The
warnings are broadcast by the water police on VHF channel. The Department of
Transport is aware of some issues in relation to VHF channel 67 reception in
the Peel region.
(3) Yes.
(4) The
request has been refused as the Department of Transport is currently trialling
the posting of navigational warnings on its website. This information could
then be accessed by any third party, including Mandurah VMR, to broadcast on
its local VHF channel if it wishes. The trial is due to be completed by the end
of September 2016, at which time it is anticipated that the information will be
available on DoT's website. This solution has been communicated to the
Mandurah VMR.

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