Up to 800,000 tonnes of limestone sourced from DevelopmentWA's limestone quarry at Neerabup will soon be transported to the Ocean Reef Marina site to create two huge breakwaters.
With construction starting this year, the new Ocean Reef Marina is set to become an iconic waterfront precinct, providing a capacity for 550 boat pens and more than 200 boat stackers, a wide range of public amenity and eventually more than 1,000 homes, apartments and single residential and mixed-use developments.
Two breakwaters, approximately two kilometres in total length and up to 18.5 metres from the bottom of the ocean floor, will require up to 800,000 tonnes of limestone, which will be protected by a granite outer armour.
To find the safest and most effective breakwater design, DevelopmentWA commissioned the largest scale model ever built at the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory testing facility in New South Wales.
The concrete base of the testing area was prepared from laser-cut templates to perfectly match the seabed at Ocean Reef - helping to ensure the model results are as accurate as possible.
Pending approvals, extraction of the limestone will also unlock up to 25 hectares of industrial land for future use at Meridian Park industrial estate, adjacent to the limestone quarry, delivering industrial land for an additional 550 ongoing local jobs.
Limestone from the Neerabup Quarry has previously been deployed to a range of job-creating projects across the State including the Perth-to-Darwin Highway, Mitchell Freeway extension, Elizabeth Quay, and various residential developments across the metropolitan area.
The McGowan Government places a high priority on growing industry in WA, and the Industrial Lands Authority (ILA) continues to take a leading role in driving jobs growth and economic development.
Construction of Ocean Reef Marina will initially create 200 construction jobs, rising to 300 as the project progresses. On completion the marina will create ongoing employment for more than 900 Western Australians.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The planned quarrying for the limestone to construct the breakwaters is an exciting milestone for the Ocean Reef Marina project.
"People will soon see this long-awaited development actually taking shape in the water, and local workers and businesses will benefit as construction gets underway.
"My Government is proud to be investing in such a world-class development which has the overwhelming support of the local community.
"The marina will showcase this magnificent coastline, cater for boating enthusiasts and create hundreds of local jobs."
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
"The new marina will provide world-class recreational facilities and retail outlets for locals and tourists alike.
"Quarrying the limestone and sand at Neerabup will allow new industrial land to be unlocked at Meridian Park and is a great example of how DevelopmentWA and the ILA are driving efficiencies and creating opportunities for WA businesses.
"Thanks to a continual flow of new investment the industrial estate is currently experiencing a wave of new building activity, with one build completed recently and five new builds underway.
"Some of the businesses include a food wholesale retailer, a scaffold-hire business and a commercial bakery.
"This project is unlocking economic growth, creating new jobs and a wonderful marine playground for the people of Western Australia."
As stated by Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"I'm pleased to see this much anticipated project, one of our key election commitments, becoming a reality.
"The Joondalup community have overwhelmingly supported this project and are eagerly awaiting the commencement of construction.
"Thank you to all of the key stakeholders that have been integral to this development including the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, Marine Rescue Whitfords and the Joondalup City RSL.
"The Ocean Reef Marina is going to become a beautiful place to spend time with family and friends, a tourism destination and will deliver local jobs."
