Local contractors win on $78m Bunbury project

The final stage of Bunbury’s major waterfront redevelopment project has progressed after the state government awarded three contracts to local businesses.

The third stage of the redevelopment project, valued at $78.1 million, involves building new breakwaters at Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay to support land and marine infrastructure development.

The larger multi-agency project involves upgrading coastal areas from Koombana Bay to Casuarina Boat Harbour to attract tourism and boost the local marine industry.

Busselton-based civil engineering contractor Leeuwin Civil notched a $1.1 million contract to construct seawalls along Casuarina Beach and Jettys Baths.

South West-headquartered contractor Koormal Group has been engaged to construct a new toilet block at the facility, with another contract expected to be awarded for upgrades to the trailer parking area at the boat ramp.

Global engineering consultancy firm Advisian was awarded a $1.8 million contract from the state government to support the development of key sites at the harbour and help establish a marine service and repair precinct, boat lifting and future boat stacking operations.

"As our state's second city, Bunbury deserves the best and the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project is delivering an iconic new precinct for the community,” Premier Roger Cook said.

"Not only will stage three provide new community assets and spaces, but it will also open significant new opportunities for marine industries in Bunbury, creating local jobs and driving new economic activity for the city.

"These works will allow us to attract private investment into the harbour precinct and bring to reality a long-held vision for Bunbury's waterfront."

The first stage of the project was completed in 2019 and involved the revitalisation of the Koombana foreshore and the redevelopment of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. 

The stage second, which is currently under way, involves upgrades to the Jetty Road Causeway and car park and the redevelopment of Casuarina Drive.

Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the contracts facilitated exciting new local business opportunities.

"The state government continues to open up Bunbury's potential through this transformational project, enhancing community spaces and unlocking economic opportunity," he said.

"There have been incredible transformations so far, including the upgrades at the Jetty Road Causeway, and Casuarina Drive redevelopment incorporating the Jetty Baths Park refresh."