The WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) has requested boat accommodation/pen fee relief for commercial vessels in response to the demersal and shark fishery closures. Unfortunately, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) has now confirmed it will not waive the fees.
While the government has acknowledged the impacts on affected fishing businesses, it has advised that fee waivers within a DTMI facility are only considered under limited circumstances such as for a health emergency; vessel breakdown and/or emergency repairs; in response to certain weather emergencies or events; or to facilitate public safety, such as for approved marine rescue vessels.
As such, DTMI will not waive pen fees, but has advised it can consider establishing payment plans with their customers on a case-by-case basis.
Impacted commercial fishing operators with vessel accommodation at DTMI-managed facilities are advised to contact their relevant harbour management team to establish a payment plan while they transition their operations.
A full list of DTMI-managed facilities’ contacts can be found here.
For further information contact Ms Shelley Grice, Manager Facility Operations at DTMI, by email at [email protected] or telephone on 0427 934 814.