The McGowan Government will establish a public fishing platform at the Bunbury Service Jetty, allowing public access to the Bunbury Outer Harbour for the first time in more than 15 years.
The investment delivers on an election commitment in the Plan for Bunbury to build a fishing platform for the Bunbury community.
The Southern Ports Authority will move two pilot boats that utilise the jetty to its south-eastern end, freeing up significant space for a public fishing platform to be established on its north-western end.
Structural and civil works are valued at $457,000, including $208,000 to establish the fishing facility and access components.
The selection of the Service Jetty as the most suitable option has been confirmed through extensive consultation with the City of Bunbury, the Bunbury Development Committee, the South West Development Commission, Recfishwest, and local community groups including Fishability.
Works are expected to be completed by early March 2020, with first access to the public later that month.
As stated by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This is a fantastic outcome for the Bunbury community: a solution that delivers the long called-for public fishing infrastructure at the Outer Harbour while continuing to support essential port operations.
"Our investment will open up access to the Outer Harbour for the first time since 2004 and provide a much-needed fishing platform for Bunbury locals.
"Don Punch has been a tireless advocate on behalf of his community for this project, and is delivering on our Plan for Bunbury."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"Bunbury is known as a community that loves fishing but for people who have difficulty clambering over rock or standing on shifting sand, there have been very few places for them to go and wet a line before now.
"I pushed strongly for this project to be included in the Plan for Bunbury because I know how much difference it will make in the lives of people who love to fish and have mobility challenges to overcome.
"The community have waited for this fishing platform for a long time so I am really pleased to be part of the Government that is delivering for Bunbury.
"I looking forward to coming down here on summer evenings to see families, grandparents and children all enjoying a great new community facility."
