❓ WA Parliament QoN regarding ferry access to Penguin Island, addressing sand build-up, safety assessments, service disruptions, funding, and financial impact on Perth Wildlife Encounters. The response details DBCA's sand removal efforts, lack of formal navigation assessments, reasons for island closures, dredging costs, and DBCA's position on Perth Wildlife Encounters' operational decisions.

I refer to jetty access and ferry operations servicing Penguin Island, and I ask:(a) What works have been undertaken since 2020 to address sand build-up affecting ferry access to Penguin Island;(b) Has the Department of Transport (the Department) undertaken navigational safety assessments relating to ferry access constraints;(c) How many days of ferry service disruption have occurred in each of the past five financial years due to sand build-up, infrastructure works or environmental conditions;(d) What funding has been allocated since 2020 to ensure safe and reliable marine access for licensed operators servicing Penguin Island; and(e) Has the Department assessed the financial impact on Perth Wildlife Encounters arising from restricted jetty access or infrastructure works?

(a)         The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) undertook works in 2024 and 2025 to remove sand from the area around the jetty on Penguin Island. (b)        No, there are no formal navigation channels in Shoalwater and therefore, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure has not undertaken an assessment of ferry access constraints. (c)         DBCA has closed Penguin Island when hot weather parameters have been met or exceeded on seven occasions in 2023-24, eight occasions in 2024-25, and four occasions in 2025-26. There have been no infrastructure works that have disrupted ferry access. DBCA does not maintain records of occasions when Perth Wildlife Encounters has not operated the ferry service. Perth Wildlife Encounters may choose not to run ferry operations for a range of reasons including sand accretion, low tides, sea conditions and commercial considerations. (d)        DBCA’s dredging operations cost $142,821 in 2024 and $37,505 in 2025. These figures exclude costs associated with DBCA staff time and the use of DBCA-owned machinery that supported the operations. (e)         No, Perth Wildlife Encounters is a commercial operator and makes its own operational decisions based on the information available. DBCA continues to liaise with Perth Wildlife Encounters to support its operations where possible.