Congestion at the Hillarys boat ramp.
Camera IconCongestion at the Hillarys boat ramp. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Congested Hillarys boat ramp causing anger and frustration

Mark DonaldsonJoondalup Times

CONGESTION at the Hillarys boat ramp is causing aggression and frustration among ocean users, a skipper has warned.

The local resident, who did not want to be named, said it had always been “slow and crowded” but recent weekends had been “out of hand”.

He was waiting about an hour or more to put his boat in the water, with bumper-to-outboard traffic snarling out of the carpark and clogging up West Coast Drive and Hepburn Avenue.

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He said the worst time was 8am on Saturday.

He said road rage was an issue, including with cyclists.

“There have been problems for years aggravated by the delays, (it’s) only getting worse,” he said.

“More people getting their boats back in as summer comes.”

He wanted to see improved traffic management in the short term and a plan for more launching facilities.

The boat ramp comes under the authority of the Department of Transport.

A spokeswoman said the department was aware of the issues and had begun work on an “integrated transport plan” for Hillarys Boat Harbour.

“(It) considers, amongst other things, the management of traffic in both peak and non-peak times in the harbour itself and the surrounding area,” she said.

“This work commenced in November 2017 and will continue throughout 2018.

“Boat ramp users are urged to follow good ramp etiquette (and) practice some patience and courtesy to other users.”

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