The first part of Stage 2 of the transformational Bunbury Waterfront project, the Jetty Road Causeway, is now complete and will benefit locals and visitors in Bunbury and the South-West.
A key election commitment, the Jetty Road Causeway was officially opened today by Premier Mark McGowan, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Bunbury MLA Don Punch.
The two-year project involved major repairs to the causeway with an additional 31,000 tonnes of rock placed to strengthen the structure.
It also involved reconstructing Jetty Road, the addition of a penholder facility and public toilets, 164 new car parking bays, improvements to utilities including power and water and the introduction of shared paths and landscaping rejuvenating the area.
The two main contractors for the project employed 16 full-time personnel and engaged a total of 23 local sub-contractors to complete the works.
The design work will soon commence for new breakwaters at Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay following the State Government’s $78.1 million commitment to the third stage of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront initiative.
The new breakwater will unlock Casuarina Boat Harbour’s full potential by increasing the land area and establishing improved shelter for boats providing significant future capacity and commercial opportunity from the creation of a maritime hub for the region, boosting job opportunities and the local economy.
At Koombana Bay the new breakwater, linked to a marina development proposal, will provide greater public access and fishing and swimming platforms.
Construction of the breakwaters is expected to commence in late 2022 following the completion of the detailed design work and environmental approval process.
People can visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/jettyroadcauseway
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Today the vision for Bunbury’s waterfront has taken another major step towards becoming a reality for those living in and visiting the South-West with the opening of the Jetty Road Causeway Upgrade.
“It was only two months ago that we announced the investment for the $78.1 million Stage Three Phase One works, which marks a significant milestone for this project and will continue the transformation and provide a major economic boost to the region with significant opportunities for local businesses.
“The project is expected to create around 30 direct jobs and more than 200 flow-on jobs during construction. It’s expected to pump more than $56 million into the South-West economy during construction alone, and will deliver long term economic benefits to the region.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The Jetty Road Causeway is a significant part of the Transforming Bunbury Waterfront project and will help rejuvenate an underutilised part of the City.
“The project has supported local jobs and engaged local sub-contractors and will provide a welcome boost to the local Bunbury economy.
“The completion of this part of the transformational project marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the waterfront vision for Bunbury which will help grow tourism and fast track development of the region’s marine industry.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront is continuing to unlock Bunbury’s vast potential for the local community and visitors alike.
“Works are now underway on the next stage of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront at Casuarina Drive, creating a new asset for the Bunbury community and creating local jobs in construction.”
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“Jetty Road is not only an integral part of Bunbury’s waterfront infrastructure it is also an important link to our heritage and our past so this is an important investment by the McGowan Government in our community.
“The Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project has been highly anticipated by our community as the Bunbury lifestyle is inextricably linked to our marine environment, so I know Jetty Road and the remaining elements of stage two will be highly valued by our community.
“For decades the Bunbury community has aspired to make the most of our location and embrace our waterfront, and this project is achieving exactly that.”
