Bent Street Boat Ramp is located on Safety Bay Road, opposite Bent Street, Safety Bay. The boat ramp consists of two formal concrete boat launching and retrieval ramps associated with a central holding jetty. Beach access launching and retrieval opportunities are also catered for on both sides of the formal ramps.
The boat launching facility has 23 formal boat trailer parking bays available, 10 standard car parking bays and one ACROD Bay. The facility also includes an informal overflow grass parking area to the west of the facility.
Temporary Notice to Mariners
A portion of the Bent Street Boat Ramp has been closed until further notice due to the rapid sand build-up of the Tern Bank Sand Bar this winter.
You will not be able to use the western boat ramp lane and beach launching area. The eastern lane remains open but please use it with caution as there is potential for some areas to be shallow. Read the full notice
No Dredging at Bent Street and Tern Bank in 2024
At its Ordinary meeting on 24 September 2024 Council resolved to decline all tenders for Tender T24/25-65 - Provision of Services to Extract Sand from the Bent Street Boat Ramp Navigation Channel and Tern Bank Sandbar.
For more information please read the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sand Build-up at Tern Bank in Warnbro Sound
Why does sand continue to build up at Tern Bank?
The build-up of sand at Tern Bank is a natural coastal process. Over time, sand is transported by waves and currents from the outside the Murray Reefs system (aka Five Fathoms) to the northern shoreline of Safety Bay. The unique circulatory currents within Warnbro Sound have shaped the Tern Bank sand bar and formed the semi-enclosed feature known as The Pond.
What is being done to understand this phenomenon?
The City of Rockingham has engaged a specialist coastal processes modelling consultant to conduct an investigation into the unique coastal processes of accretion and erosion in northern Warnbro Sound. This study is reviewing the sand build-up at Tern Bank, and also the erosion along Arcadia Drive towards Mersey Point. The study outcomes are expected to be available in early 2025.
Why are the Bent Street Boat Ramp Facility’s ramp lanes partially closed off?
Due to the build-up of sand at Tern Bank, the water depth has reduced. This has created safety concerns about the interaction between boats and patrons swimming or recreating at the edge of the Tern Bank sandbar. The western ramp lanes have been closed off. The eastern concrete boat ramp lane will also be closed if/when the depth seaward of this lane prevents safe vessel navigation. The City will keep the eastern over-sand ramp open as long as is safe to do so.
Are there alternative boat ramps that I can use nearby?
The City has alternative concrete boat ramp lanes with vessel holding jetties available at Port Kennedy, Point Peron, and Palm Beach. Carlisle Street and Donald Drive over-sand boat ramps are available for the launching and retrieval of small dinghies with four-wheel drive vehicles.
Which part of the coast is within the City of Rockingham’s management jurisdiction?
The City’s jurisdiction ends on land at the high water mark. However, the City is currently responsible for the Bent Street Boat Ramp and associated navigation channel within the water.
What is being done to maintain the water quality within The Pond?
The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is managed by the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction. The Department of Health oversees a water quality monitoring program to ensure recreational waters are safe for recreational use. This monitoring program is conducted across Western Australia in conjunction with local governments which collect water samples on behalf of the Department of Health.
If the monitoring results indicate that the water fails to meet the recreational water quality guidelines, then the area will be closed for recreational water use until the water quality returns to a satisfactory level.
Has Water Corporation been contacted about its drain into the Pond and its responsibilities regarding water quality?
The City is in discussions with Water Corporation about its future plan for the stormwater outlet. While Water Corporation has upgraded and increased capacity at the Forrester Road basin in recent years, it has not advised the City about any plan for the stormwater outlet at The Pond. The capacity increase at the basin means a lower volume of water is entering The Pond through the drain than before. If you wish to discuss this matter further, please contact Water Corporation directly.
Who do we contact if we have concerns about water quality?
The City will continue to test The Pond every fortnight to ensure it is safe for recreational use. Concerns about the quality of the water in The Pond can be directed to the City’s Health Services on 9528 0333 or via customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au.
What is the long term plan for the management of The Pond?
The Pond is within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) is responsible for the management of the marine park and is guided by the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Management Plan. The Plan refers to water quality in a number of sections to achieve the vision of the marine park. Therefore, DBCA will be the lead agency in regards to the long-term Pond management. Please refer your enquiries to wanneroo@dbca.wa.gov.au.
