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Council to remove boat launch fees
The removal of boat launching fees is a feature of Whyalla City Council’s proposed budget.
As part of its 2017/18 budget, the council is proposing to remove the $8 fee to launch a boat from the Whyalla marina.
The council determined that ongoing maintenance issues associated with ticketing infrastructure outweighed the purpose of the fee, and believes that removing the boat launching fee provides a better outcome for the community.
Whyalla mayor Lyn Breuer said the council expected the removal of the $8 launching fee to be welcome news to local fishers.
“So many of our locals like to get out in the boat and enjoy a spot of fishing, and many people even travel to Whyalla specifically to indulge in our wonderful fishing stocks,” Ms Breuer said.
“We want to encourage local fishermen to get out and use our marina facility, and we think that by removing the associated fees for launching a boat, we will see a great increase in the use of the Whyalla marina.”
Complementing this decision, the council has also budgeted $150,000 for an upgrade of the Whyalla marina facility, as well as a further $150,000 for the strengthening of the marina’s breakwater.
“The council recognises the importance of recreational fishing in Whyalla, and we want to further enhance the facilities available to encourage more people to get out on the water and enjoy our wonderful coastal assets,” Ms Breuer said.