The McGowan Government is powering ahead with the job-creating Ocean Reef Marina development, today announcing two local companies as the preferred contractors to construct two new two-kilometre-long breakwaters required for the marina.
Two Western Australian companies, WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group, will employ 56 local workers to construct the $60 million breakwaters using up to 650,000 tonnes of limestone, sourced from DevelopmentWA's limestone quarry in Neerabup, and about 300,000 tonnes of granite.
Some of the limestone and granite used for the project will also be sourced from the existing boat harbour breakwater.
The breakwaters will be the longest in WA, with work expected to commence by the end of this year, subject to approvals, and be completed by mid-2022.
The existing boat harbour will remain operational, including access to boat ramps and trailer parking, throughout the breakwater construction works.
The preferred contractor was announced at an Ocean Reef Marina community event today attended by hundreds of local residents, who also got the first glimpse of the latest landscape designs for the project.
The latest landscape plans cover four key public spaces - the beach, central parkland, the plaza and connections from the water to the dunes.
Activations in those spaces will include a youth plaza, ocean-themed playground, native plants, undulating landforms to represent the story of the Waugal (the Rainbow Serpent), a waterfront promenade, food and beverage opportunities and large shade structures.
Residents and visitors will continue to enjoy the natural environment with a coastal path included in the ultimate marina design to maintain a connection with the existing dunes and bushland.
The Ocean Reef Marina is expected to create 8,600 jobs during the estimated 10-15 year construction period, with more than 900 ongoing jobs once complete.
The McGowan Government has committed $126.5 million in funding for the marina project which is being led by DevelopmentWA, in collaboration with the City of Joondalup.
For more information, visit: https://developmentwa.com.au/oceanreefmarina
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Today's announcement of the preferred contractors shows this landmark and long-awaited project is full steam ahead.
"We are proud to deliver this major election commitment that will support local jobs and assist in WA's economic recovery.
"We're investing $126.5 million in funding for the marina over the life of the project to help deliver an iconic development which will benefit the local community, as well as become a popular tourist attraction.
"This project will generate more than 8,000 jobs during construction for local workers and businesses like the Joint Venture announced today, which is critical to WA's COVID-19 recovery."
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"This is just the start of local businesses and local workers sharing in an expected $3 billion injection to the WA economy from this landmark project.
"After decades of talk, it's fantastic to be in this exciting phase where early works and landscape design plans are powering along.
"The landscape designs revealed today really bring to life the way in which this development will showcase its magnificent location, and how residents and visitors will be able to interact with it.
"The plans respect the site's history, including its Aboriginal heritage, while also showcasing the latest innovations for public open spaces."
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"This is a significant project for the northern suburbs and it's great that jobs are going to local businesses.
"We're in a really exciting phase of the planning as we develop a wonderful marine playground for the people of Western Australia that will put Joondalup on the map!"
Lands Minister' office - 6552 5900
Fly-through vision and design images available through this link.
