Construction is set to commence on a new floating pen at Batavia Coast Marina, located close to the Geraldton city centre in Western Australia (WA). 

This is part of an initiative to bolster marina-based tourism in the Mid West region of the state.  

The project, with an investment of A$3.3m ($2.2m), aims to expand vessel accommodation and enhance ferry passenger services at the site. 

Geraldton legislative assembly member Lara Dalton said: “This further investment will provide great access for local boat owners and will be a great boost to our tourism industry. There is no doubt that Geraldton supports a strong boating community for residents and visitors alike. 

"Local businesses will also benefit through the construction phase of this project." 

SMC Marine Western Australia has secured the contract to design and build the new jetty, following a tender process. 

The new jetty will provide berthing for 34 vessels, each up to 25m in length.  

The existing marina, managed by WA's Department of Transport, currently houses 84 pens and caters to both commercial and recreational vessels. 

The addition of the new floating pen set is expected to offer essential berthing facilities and support the City of Greater Geraldton’s tourism needs.  

WA Minister for Transport David Michael said: “The Cook Government is investing in targeted multipurpose coastal infrastructure to meet growing demand for boat pens at the same time as boosting opportunities for growth in marine-based tourism along the Batavia Coast. 

“This project builds on an earlier investment at the Geraldton Port where the Mid West Ports Authority constructed a single-berth, fixed-jetty structure. Like the jetty at the port, the pen project provides tourism facilities specifically designed for easy loading and unloading of passengers, and will assist commercial operators as they work to increase visits to the pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park.” 

The construction phase is anticipated to span approximately ten months.