Tender open for Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront – Stage 3

Government of Western Australia has released a tender to upgrade the boat ramp at Casuarina Boat Harbour, marking the start of delivery of the $78.1 million Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW) Stage 3.

Under the plan, the 28-year-old ramp and fixed timber jetty will be upgraded to a modern facility with a floating jetty and two-lane ramp designed to better accommodate large trailers and wide vessels.

According to the Government, the boat ramp will be closed during works, which will be delivered off-peak this winter. Also, a major upgrade of the boat ramp parking facilities is planned for the winter of 2023.

“TBW Stage 3 continues the conversion of Bunbury’s foreshore into a buzzing waterfront precinct offering recreational, tourism, boating and employment opportunities,” commented Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

MacTiernan also added that project is an early milestone for this stage of the Waterfront development, as design work progresses on the Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay breakwaters to provide the critical infrastructure required for further public and private investment in the precinct.

“The State Government’s investment of more than $45 million in the first two stages of the project, together with this further commitment of $78.1 million into Stage 3, will help Bunbury to reach its true potential,” concluded MacTiernan.

Stage 3 of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront includes key infrastructure to support future development of the marine industry and provide long-term assets for the community to enjoy:

• new breakwaters at Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay requiring around 200,000 tonnes of armour rock and 450,000 tonnes of core rock to be transported to site;
• serviced lease sites at Casuarina Boat Harbour for marine commercial activities such as boat lifting, boat servicing and boat storage; and
• community facilities such as toilets at Casuarina Boat Harbour boat ramp and fishing and swimming platforms at Koombana Bay.

Following detailed design and environmental approval, dredging and breakwater construction is anticipated to start early 2024.