THE time for a soft approach to parking at Weinam Creek is over says local fisherman and retired policeman Neil Pyle.
Mr Pyle said the lack of parking facilities was not just an issue for island residents but was also affecting neighbouring properties and local fishermen.
He said the area once offered 120 boat and trailer parking spaces and a four-lane boat ramp on the northern side of the marina.
That has since been reduced to 39 boat and trailer parking spaces and a three-lane ramp near the Moores Rd carpark.
“Local bylaws state that there should be a minimum of 70 boat and trailer spots for a four-lane ramp,” he said. “You look out at the water during prawning season, and you can see at least 200 boats out there.”
Mr Pyle said the situation had been made worse by several island residents who had permanently claimed multiple spots by leaving unregistered boat trailers in the parking spaces.
“That way, they have a permanent parking spot,” he said. “The trailers aren’t registered and not useable.
“Some are chained together, and it is obvious they aren’t used or useable.”
He said trailers were meant to go with their car when it leaves.
“These people flaunt the law every day,” he said. “It’s time to prosecute. This is a car park, not a storage facility.”
He said the lack of available parking space meant many boaties were being forced to park on neighbouring streets.
“The streets are narrow, and they will often put a wheel on the footpath,” he said.
“These are the blokes getting $160 tickets while the people with the permanently left trailers flaunt their spots every day of the week.”
He said there were logistics to launching a boat.
“Mum might be left there with the two kids while dad goes to find a park,” he said.
“This can take ages, and meanwhile the boat is blocking access to other boaties.
“Mum might get a gob full of abuse from other boaties while dad is walking 1km back from the car.”
Mr Pyle said a long-term solution could be to create a separate carpark for islanders away from the marina, with a shuttle bus providing transport.
“A possibility would be on land at Wallaby Creek Road,” he said.
He said waterfront land at Weinam Creek would be better used for hospitality businesses.
“It would also be pertinent to use the premium bay waterfront land for restaurants and cafes so that the view could be enjoyed,” he said.
