Concerns over rescue readiness at Gnarabup boat ramp

Shire chiefs have declined to wade into the debate about maintenance of the boat ramp at Gnarabup and whether seasonal kelp build-up hindered the recent search for missing surfer Aaron Beveridge.

Regular oceangoers have previously highlighted the challenges at Gnarabup and told the Times it was overdue the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River kept the ramp clear at all times, despite fresh deposits from winter storms.

Those close to the desperate search efforts for the missing surfer on June 7 expressed disappointment the shire did not act to clear seaweed when the search started.

Margaret River Recreational Surfers committee member Steve Wrightson, a friend of Mr Beveridge, lauded the efforts of marine volunteers under difficult conditions.

“As the only boat ramp in the area, it needs to be properly maintained all year round to allow rescue craft access,” he said.

The seaweed build-up “makes it almost impossible to launch rescue craft”, Mr Wrightson said.

“The marine rescue guys managed to reverse over three-foot high . . . tightly-packed weed the whole length of the ramp and didn’t even get in the water till about 9.30am (on Saturday).

“They need to be recognised as incredible community volunteers.”

WA’s Department of Transport and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said the ramp was a local government responsibility.

Acting shire chief Nick Logan said the shire “will always respond accordingly to the directions of the incident controller and did so when requested on the day of the search”.

Questions about maintenance of the ramp and future plans went unanswered.

Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club president Aaron McRae said build-up on the ramp was “a massive problem”.

“The shire’s got the capability to do it,” he said.

“It’s a constant problem. It takes a significant amount of time for two people.”

But Margaret River Coastal Residents Association president Adrian Wilson said midwinter was the most difficult time and keeping the ramp clear wasn’t always feasible.

“In an ideal world, a 24/7 accessible boat ramp would be great,” he said.

“In reality, however, rough winter weather followed by one or two days of surf before the next front makes this difficult.

“I suppose the shire could anticipate these days and organise to have the Gnarabup ramp cleared.”

Margaret River Recreational Surfers president Jim Ross went a step further and said the ramp was in the wrong place for urgent launches and said it was time the State Government intervened to provide a basic surf lifesaving rescue shed between Gnarabup and Riflebutts.