New Mandurah Marine Operations Centre opened

by WA Government on 17 Aug 2009 Three Ministers of the Liberal-National Government converged on Mandurah Western Australia, on Friday 14th August for the official opening of the new $10.4 million Marine Operations Centre.

Situated on Breakwater Parade at the Mandurah Ocean Marina, the new complex is an important base in the Peel region for four Government agencies.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore said the purpose-built centre would incorporate the Department of Fisheries regional office as well as facilities for Water Police operations. It will also house staff from the departments of Water and Transport.

'Co-locating Government departments improves the community’s convenience, helps reduce costs and can remove duplication of similar services,' Mr Moore said.

'Mandurah’s Marine Operations Centre will aid joint servicing arrangements for marine compliance, management and research, as well as the various maritime activities.

'This centre will also be home for the various land-based activities within the Peel region of all the occupying departments.'

Police Minister Rob Johnson said the new Water Police base would enhance police operations and emergency responses in the Mandurah and South-West regions.

'Mandurah’s canal developments means a water response option is vital,' Mr Johnson said.

Water Minister Graham Jacobs said the better facilities were needed to keep up with the expanding population and ongoing development in the area.

'The new centre is conveniently located and will help improve services to the local community in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions,' Dr Jacobs said.

Mr Moore said the Department of Fisheries was engaged in monitoring, compliance and educational activities related to fishing and other marine activities in the Peel region and the new facilities would help retain and attract staff.

'Some officers are likely to come from the new intake of Fisheries and Marine officers, which is under way across the State as part of my efforts to improve the enforcement of the new recreational fishing regulations, which come into effect in October,' Mr Moore said.

'The new centre will also enhance the administrative and logistic support for the Peel region’s Fisheries volunteers, who form one of the State’s most active groups within the department’s volunteer program.'

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/