Tenders have been called for the construction of a new northern breakwater at Casuarina Boat Harbour – the centrepiece of the $78.1 million Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW) project.
The 460-metre-long breakwater will create sheltered harbour waters, underpinning its planned rejuvenation as a regional hub for the marine industry, and delivering a community asset that will benefit many generations. The critical new infrastructure will allow for:
- A future marine servicing precinct incorporating boat lifting, boat servicing, and boat storage;
- Opportunities for serviced lease sites for other marine commercial activities; and
- New commercial and a recreational boat pens and service wharf, allowing vessels to safely moor year-round in Koombana Bay.
Dredging work to prepare the foundation for the new breakwater and ensure safe navigation for the entrance channel will be included in the contract. Another component is 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, subject to environmental approval.
Harbour manager and delivery agency, the Department of Transport (DoT), is working closely with lead agency the South West Development Commission (SWDC) to deliver the new breakwater, and anticipates that dredging work will commence mid-this year with construction of the breakwater expected to begin later in 2024.
People wanting more information about the TBW project can click here.
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
“Issue of the tender to shortlisted companies follows DoT’s recent completion of detailed design for the new harbour breakwater, which will require about 89,000 tonnes of armour rock and 435,000 tonnes of core rock to be transported to site and positioned during construction.
“This is an exciting stage of the overall TBW development that will see the long-held vision for the boat harbour become a reality, and present significant opportunities for business – both existing and new.
“The community is already benefiting from earlier upgrades to the harbour including improvements to Jetty Road causeway, and the refurbishment of the boat ramp and trailer parking area.”
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“This marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Bunbury waterfront, and another step towards realising the potential of this South West coastal city.
“The breakwater will be a critical piece of infrastructure that will change the face of Bunbury, and further unlock opportunities for the City. Also planned is a new precinct incorporating a regional marine industry hub as we continue to position Bunbury as the State’s second city.”
