Western Australia's South Coast braces for influx of fishers following West Coast ban.

South Coast WA towns are preparing for an influx of anglers after a permanent ban on commercial demersal fishing on the West Coast and a 21-month ban on recreational demersal fishing. The Shire of Manjimup has unanimously voted to seek $10 million from the state government for infrastructure upgrades at Windy Harbour and Walpole to support local health services, bushfire response, marine rescue, and volunteer organizations. Existing infrastructure and services in these towns are not equipped to handle the anticipated increase in visitor numbers.