FISHERMAN and boat users continue to express frustration over laws governing the Collie River and Wellington Weir.
"The rules have changed over the years and it can be difficult to keep track," one elderly fisherman said.
Department of Transport spokesperson Kate Phillips said the most common offence in the area was unregistered vessels and people navigating vessels in prohibited areas.
"The Department of Transport would like to remind the public that restricted areas have been put in place to ensure the public's safety and are not safe for water activities," she said.
"We would also like to advise that all vessels fitted with a motor on navigable waters must be registered."
Over the summer holiday period four infringements as well as seven written and five verbal cautions have been issued.
Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray had received many complaints from residents about the confusion.
"There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the use of small watercraft on the Wellington Weir," he said.
"For example small dinghy's without motors have attracted fines for being used on the water - the owners being told that even though there is no motor on it, they could be fined because the boat could have a motor.
"With the Australia Day long weekend coming up this needs urgent attention from the government."
Mr Murray has written to the Minister for Transport asking for an exemption for small electric powered boats outside the current designated ski area.
"The reasoning for this exemption is that it would allow passive recreation on the dam waters to allow fishing and sightseeing," Mr Murray said in the letter.
"The backwaters of the dam are conductive to this type of water craft and would be non-invasive with issues such as noise and pollution."
Rules and regulations regarding the use of Wellington Dam can be viewed in full on the Department of Transport website transport.wa.gov. au/imarine/boating-guides.asp.
People can also pick up a copy at the Wellington Dam kiosk or the local Department of Parks and Wildlife office.
What do you think about the current use of the Wellington Weir?
Let me know josh.delpino@ fairfaxmedia.com.au
