Mangles Bay marina fears for jet skiers

With Environment Minister Albert Jacob giving the green light to the Mangles Bay marina development earlier this year, Jet Sport West is worried it could mark the demise of the sport.

President Simon Mahon said aside from the Narrows Bridge, Mangles Bay was the only other Department of Transport-approved competition area for WA Jet Ski Club.

Rising start Kyron Baker, of Baldivis, is a jet ski world championship competitor and in 2012 placed second in the Australian junior rankings. "I used Mangles Bay every weekend to train but with the marina going ahead, I could lose my practice ground," he said.

Mr Mahon said the beach would be packed with people watching the sport in summer and a closed circuit was marked by buoys for public safety because racers often reached speeds of 120 to 130km/h.

In freestyle competition, Mr Mahon said scores were awarded for flips and 90-degree turns, which was only permitted inside the approved space.

Landcorp chief executive Frank Marra said the Mangles Bay marina proposal had no plans to remove or relocate the power craft zone from the existing area.

Department of Transport assistant general manager for marine safety Chris Mather said as part of the marina development, an aquatic use review would be undertaken in consultation with users.

Mr Mahon said the sport's popularity had grown with the rise of jet ski ownership and without adequate facilities and retention of existing approved locations, the sport could crumble.