New major milestone reached on Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project

A new major milestone has been reached on Western Australia’s Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront development, with almost 300,000 tonnes of rock placed at low level to complete the full length of the new 430-metre northern breakwater at Casuarina Boat Harbour. 

This milestone follows the completion of dredging works late last year, which prepared the seabed footprint for the construction of the breakwater – the centrepiece of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project. 

“It’s an exciting time as we see this critical piece of coastal infrastructure rising out of the water, reshaping the harbour and becoming a reality. 

“This is an ambitious project with many opportunities already being embraces by the private sector and these will see significant long-term benefits for the local community and South West,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

The new structure is already providing increased sheltering at the harbour ahead of winter while work to reclaim land at the harbour for the future boat lifting and servicing lease sites is progressing. 

A further 67,000 tonnes of rock is estimated to be required to build the breakwater to full height. Once this is achieved, it will create a sheltered harbour with enough capacity to house up to 300 future boat pens and become a regional hub for the marine industry. 

The rock used for this project is sourced from quarries at Roelands, Byford, Shenton Ridge and Jarrahdale by the joint venture between WA Limestone Contracting and Italia Stone Group, who were awarded a $69.2 million contract last year. 

“Construction of the breakwater builds on significant incestment from the Cook Government to revitalise Bunbury, with a total of $78.1 million supporting the current Stage 3, Phase 1 of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront. 

“The Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project is changing the face of Bunbury, and the completed breakwater will further unlock the potential as a marine industry hub. 

“This would be further bolstered by the refurbishment of the existing beach groyne on the Koombana Bay foreshore,” Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson said. 

The new breakwater is due to reach full height by the end of this year and a new $4 million universal access fishing platform will be constructed on the northern side adjacent to a precinct supporting the needs of users, carers and visitors. 

Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront is being delivered in three stages. Stages 1 and 2A have been completed and work continues to progress on stages 2B and 3. 

“It is great to mark another milestone on this transformational project, having witnessed the progress made on this key piece of infrastructure since the first rocks were laid late last year. 

“The South West is already seeing the economic benefits of the investment in the region with local sub-contractors engaged by the joint venture partners for site establishment and mobilisation works and direct employment. 

“This is a really exciting time for Bunbury, as we transform Bunbury’s waterfront by taking underutilised and outdated spaces and transforming these for the community and visitors to enjoy,” South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; South West Development Commission – Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront