- $69.2 million contract for new breakwater in Bunbury's waterfront transformation
- Work to start in August on 460-metre-long northern breakwater
- Largest contract awarded in Stage 3.1 of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project
A milestone $69.2 million contract has been awarded for the construction of a new northern breakwater at Bunbury's Casuarina Boat Harbour, clearing the way for work to start in August.
As the centrepiece of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront (TBW) project, the 460-metre-long breakwater will create sheltered harbour waters, underpinning the rejuvenation of the harbour as a regional hub for the marine industry and delivering a significant community asset.
A joint venture between Western Australian-based and owned companies WA Limestone Contracting and Italia Stone Group has been contracted to construct the new breakwater including a dredging campaign to prepare the foundation footprint and clear the entrance channel to the reconfigured harbour.
The contract also allows for the refurbishment of the existing beach groyne on the Koombana Bay foreshore, which could be extended as part of a possible future Koombana Bay marina, following recent environmental approval.
The works form part of the wider 3.1 Stage of Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront, which is supported with $78.1 million from the Cook Government.
Harbour manager and delivery agency, the Department of Transport (DoT), is working closely with lead agency the South West Development Commission to build the new breakwater.
Skippers navigating the harbour need to be aware of the special arrangements when dredging begins in August. Construction of the breakwater is expected to begin later this year.
People wanting more information about the TBW project can visit Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront - South West Development Commission (swdc.wa.gov.au)
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"This is the largest coastal infrastructure contract ever awarded by DoT and will deliver critical new infrastructure that will underpin the rejuvenation of the harbour as a regional marine hub.
"The new breakwater will support new commercial and recreational boat pens and service wharf and create a harbour capable of sustaining a future marine servicing precinct incorporating boat lifting, boat servicing and boat storage, plus opportunities for serviced lease sites for other marine commercial activities.
"The scale of the project is significant with the creation of the new harbour breakwater requiring about 89,000 tonnes of armour rock and 435,000 tonnes of core rock to be transported to site.
"Every effort will be made to limit the disruption to harbour users and the community as the new breakwater is delivered and we ask for understanding as we implement the works program that will have many long-term benefits for users and wider community."
As stated by Regional Development Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"This is another milestone in the development of the waterfront as we continue to realise long-running plans to fulfil Bunbury's potential as a coastal city, as a regionally significant marine industry hub, and as Western Australia's second city.
"The breakwater is the key piece of critical infrastructure needed to create sheltered waters and facilitate a marine industry hub, attracting new investment in marine commercial activities and support jobs creation. It is game-changing for Bunbury.
"The construction of the breakwater will build on significant investment from the Cook Government to revitalise Bunbury, with a total of $78.1 million supporting Stage 3, Phase 1 of Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront."
