Published 17 April 2026
A much-loved community facility for over two decades, the Pelican Point Boat Ramp and Fishing Platform is getting a new lease on life. The City of Bunbury is finalising a new design for the upgraded facility that will improve capacity and useability, with construction planned for late 2027 subject to funding.
The City of Bunbury is planning for the future of the Pelican Point Boat Ramp and Fishing Platform, a valued community facility located on the shores of the Collie River.
The City is progressing the detailed design for a new boat ramp and fishing platform that will improve the capacity and useability of the facility for the Bunbury community and visitors for years to come.
Background
The Pelican Point Boat Ramp and Fishing Platform was built around 2000 and has served the community well for approximately 25 years. However, years of exposure to harsh coastal conditions – including regular inundation during high tides and storm events – have taken their toll on the facility.
At around 25 years old, the infrastructure is nearing end-of-life, and the City recognises the need to invest in a modern, sustainable replacement that meets the growing needs of the community.
What’s Happening?
The City has engaged specialist design consultants to develop an innovative and sustainable design for the upgraded facility. This has included:
- Geotechnical investigations – completed in early 2026 to assess ground conditions at the site
- Detailed design development – currently underway and expected to be finalised by mid-2026
- Ongoing maintenance – the City has continued to undertake maintenance on the existing fishing platform to support safe use where possible
The detailed design phase has been funded through a successful grant from the State Government’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).
Current Status
Seasonal Closure | Winter 2026
As the higher winter tides begin each year, the Pelican Point Boat Ramp and Fishing Platform is subject to regular inundation. To ensure community safety, the facility will be partially closed during the winter period.
What does this mean?
- Some of the plywood decking will be removed and the area fenced off for safety
- A small area adjacent to the boat ramp will remain accessible where possible
- Traffic management and safety measures will be in place
The City appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this time.
Fishing Platform
The fishing platform will be reinspected following winter, with the aim of having it operational again for summer 2026/27.
Funding
The detailed design for the upgrade has been funded through the State Government’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).
The City will be applying for additional RBFS funding in September 2026 to support the construction phase of the project. The City is committed to actively pursuing all available funding opportunities to deliver this important community facility upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pelican Point Boat Ramp and Fishing Platform is approximately 25 years old and has been subject to significant wear and tear from harsh coastal conditions, high tides and storm events over its lifetime. A new, modern facility will better serve the community’s needs into the future.
Yes, the boat ramp will still be available for recreational boating use during the winter months (weather permitting). Access to the fishing platform will be restricted during the winter months due to tidal inundation and the removal of decking for safety reasons. A small area adjacent to the boat ramp may remain accessible where possible. Please observe all signage and safety fencing on site.
The fishing platform will be reinspected following winter, with the aim of having it operational for summer 2026/27.
The City is applying for construction funding through the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme in September 2026. Subject to funding, construction could commence in late 2027.
The detailed design has been funded through a successful RBFS grant from the State Government. The City will apply for further RBFS funding to support the construction phase and will continue to explore all available funding pathways to deliver this project.
The new design will improve the capacity and useability of the facility. The City has engaged specialist consultants to explore innovative and sustainable solutions. Further details will be shared as the design is finalised.
This page will be updated as the project progresses. You can also follow the City of Bunbury’s social media channels for the latest news.
The detailed design phase has been funded through a successful grant from the State Government’s Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS). The City thanks the State Government for its support through this funding.