Regulations 10, 12 and 13 of the Regulations empower a port manager of a local port to make a determination to set aside an area in which an activity or conduct is permitted, restricted or prohibited. Regulation 14 provides that the port manager may specify certain conditions for the use of the areas under each determination.

A set aside determination may specify:

• That it applies to the whole or a specified area of the reserve or park; and

• That it applies on specified days, times or periods; and

• That it applies to a class of person, vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and

• Any conditions subject to which the specified activity must or must not be carried out.

Although safety of port users will remain the number one consideration when deciding on whether to formalise the proposal, we are aiming to balance this, where practicable, with the needs of current port users. By balancing these factors, we aim to ensure any set‑asides introduced are practical, safe and beneficial for everyone who relies on the port.

Since 1 July 2024, the Authority has been reviewing safety requirements, operational risks and the needs of different port users, and set‑asides have emerged as a tool to help manage the port. Introducing set‑asides would support safer and more efficient operations, provide clearer guidance on how different areas of the port can be used and help address known risks.

Furthermore, by organising the port through set-asides, the use of other legislative instruments like Harbour Master Directions under the Marine Safety Act can be appropriately applied.

These changes are expected to make day‑to‑day operations at the Port of Apollo Bay clearer, safer and more organised. Set‑asides will help define where certain activities can take place, to increase safety and minimise user conflicts. By aligning these areas with safety requirements and known operational risks, the port can run more smoothly, with clearer expectations for all users.

You’ll also see improvements to the permit process, including updated terms and conditions that better support how the port is managed. For most users, this means clearer guidance, more consistent rules and a smoother experience when renewing permits.

The set-asides under Regulations 10, 12 and 13 of the Port Management (Local Ports) Regulations 2025 will support the safe, efficient and effective management of the Port of Apollo Bay.  They will:

• Designate safe areas in the port where swimming, snorkelling or diving is prohibited or restricted (regulation 10(1)(b))
• Designate safe port operating environments to manage access to Slipway yard, office, port depot, Fishermen’s Wharf and Marina Berths (regulation (10(1)(c))
• Designate areas where safe berthing, mooring or anchoring of vessels is permitted (regulation 12 (a) & 12 (b))
• Designate a cargo management area (regulation 13 (b))

The proposed set‑asides will not change public use or access to the seawall, Mothers Beach, or the Point Bunbury boat ramp.