Shire calls for State support ahead of Fishing Closure impacts

The Shire of Manjimup is calling on the Western Australian Government to support local communities ahead of the 21-month ban on boat-based recreational demersal fishing in the West Coast Zone, starting 1 January 2026.

While acknowledging the need for sustainable fisheries and long-term stock recovery, the Shire warns the closure will drive a significant increase in visitors to small coastal towns, particularly Windy Harbour and Walpole.

“Recreational fishers will adjust their plans, and our local infrastructure and services will feel the impact,” said Shire President Donelle Buegge. “Roads, parking, boat ramps, public amenities, emergency access, and volunteer-based services are already operating at or near capacity.”

Windy Harbour, a small holiday settlement with limited facilities, is the closest boat launching site to the areas affected by the upcoming closure, making it a key destination for day-trippers and weekend anglers from Perth to Augusta. The Shire expects visitor numbers to surge, further straining local services.

The Shire notes that the State’s current Fisheries Support Package does not address these downstream impacts or the longstanding infrastructure challenges faced by communities like Windy Harbour and Walpole.

At its December meeting, the Shire of Manjimup Council resolved to formally request the Western Australian State Government to allocate a minimum of $10 million in specific grant funding for essential public infrastructure upgrades in Windy Harbour and Walpole, to ensure these communities can safely and effectively manage the expected increase in visitation during the 21-month closure period. The Council also called for specific and ongoing operational and financial support for local health services, bushfire and emergency response services, marine rescue groups, volunteer organisations, and community services, to assist in managing the predicted surge in visitor activity resulting from the recreational fishing closure.

“Local governments and volunteer-based services are on the frontline of managing increased visitation,” Shire President Buegge said. “Where a mandated State policy has clear and predictable impacts on small communities, it is reasonable for the State Government to provide targeted, compensatory support.”

The Shire of Manjimup has requested a meeting with the State Government to discuss priority infrastructure and service needs in detail and is seeking a collaborative approach to manage the upcoming closure.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Donelle Buegge, Shire President
Contact: 0409 114 681

Benjamin (Ben) Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Mikayla Ginbey, Corporate Communications Officer