Works begins on $2.3 million navigation upgrade at Rottnest

Special on-water safety arrangements will be in place and some delays are anticipated as 11 navigation aids are replaced, including a beacon for the channel at Thomson Bay, the main entry point to the island.

At Rocky Bay, four beacons will be replaced with the same happening at Geordie Bay, on the northern side of the island. Two new beacons will replace the old beacons at Monday Rock and Duck Rock.

The navigation aids are more than 40 years old and have reached the end of their design life. However, design changes and use of high-quality durable products are expected to give each new navigational aid a life span of at least 50 years.

Skippers should exercise caution and strictly maintain a five-knot speed when transiting through Rocky, Geordie and Thomson bays during the works. They should also check the special arrangements in place by visiting transport.wa.gov.au.

To limit the impact on boat traffic, work will be restricted from Monday to Friday, until the completion of the project in December.