- Breakwater structure complete as Bunbury waterfront transformation continues
- Civil infrastructure, services, works to commence in 2026
- $69.2 million breakwater already providing safer harbour for users
- Part of the Cook Government's $112.2 million investment in the Bunbury waterfront
Rock work on a new 460-metre northern breakwater at Bunbury's Casuarina Boat Harbour is complete, making way for further development on the waterfront.
Completion of the breakwater rock structure followed the dredging of its seabed footprint in late 2024 and the relocation of more than 120,000 cubic metres of material.
It took almost a year to place 290,000 tonnes of core rock and 65,000 tonnes of armour sourced from quarries at Roelands, Byford, Shenton Ridge, and Jarrahdale to build the breakwater.
Marking another important milestone in the transformation of Bunbury's waterfront, permanent navigation aids have been installed on the breakwater and at the end of Jetty Road to assist skippers as they navigate the narrower entrance to the harbour.
The $69.2 million breakwater contract which also includes works to upgrade the Koombana groyne, is the centrepiece of Stage 3 of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront (TBW) project, which is supported by a $112.2 million investment from the Cook Government.
Construction of the breakwater has created quality local jobs, with the contract delivered by Western Australian companies WA Limestone Contracting and Italia Stone Group.
The State Government project is focused on rejuvenating the harbour by creating a regional hub for the marine industry and delivering quality infrastructure for the local community.
With the breakwater now in place, work will start in 2026 on the roads and services that will be required to improve public access to the breakwater and support further development of the area.
It will also make way for the delivery of a new $4 million universally accessible fishing platform on the breakwater's northern side.
Detailed design of the accessible fishing platform and surrounding precinct, including parking and other facilities are complete, with tenders to be called early next year.
Discussions are also progressing to establish a boat lifting and servicing operation at the breakwater as part of the State Government's vision to grow commercial marine activities in the area to support the local economy.
For more information about the TBW project, visit Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront - South West Development Commission (swdc.wa.gov.au)
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Completion of the breakwater rock work is another exciting step forward in the transformation of the Bunbury waterfront, with work soon to begin on the roads and services needed to support further development in the area.
"A new accessible fishing platform will be created for the community, with the area also set to grow as a hub for the marine industry, providing lease opportunities for local businesses.
"This project is part of our government's commitment to growing the South West economy, and ensuring locals and visitors can enjoy all that our incredible coastline has to offer."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We've reached an exciting milestone with the structure of the breakwater and land reclamation now complete, creating a new footprint for the waterfront.
"This has created solid foundations for what will become new areas for community and industry use.
"The Cook Government is committed to ensuring the South West continues to grow through ongoing investment and support for local communities and industries."
As stated by Acting South West Minister Reece Whitby:
"Bunbury has long had an outstanding waterfront, and this project builds on that strength to enhance community use and create new opportunities.
"Through work to realise the waterfront vision, we've seen remarkable transformations - from Koombana Bay Foreshore renewal to Jetty Road causeway and Jetty Baths upgrades.
"These improvements have created vibrant spaces for locals and visitors, while generating economic opportunities and jobs.
"With key structures now in place, Bunbury is ready to unlock the next phase of development."
