- $3.3 million design and construct contract
for 34 new pens at Batavia Coast Marina
- Project to significantly increase
berthing capacity at marina
- Work to start on-site in October following
detailed design
Work is about to start on
the design and construction of a new floating pen set at Batavia Coast Marina
as part of a plan to boost infrastructure for marina-based tourism
opportunities in the Mid West.
The pen project,
costing $3.3 million, will see a new jetty constructed providing increased
vessel accommodation in a configuration that also allows easy loading and
unloading of ferry passengers from the head of the structure.
Following a successful
tender process, SMC Marine Western Australia has been contracted to deliver the
new floating pen set that will accommodate 34 vessels up to 25 metres long,
with the works expected to take around ten months to complete. Currently, the
marina has a total of 84 pens.
The company is
experienced in delivering coastal infrastructure projects in WA and the
contract will support six jobs, while also boosting local businesses during the
works.
Batavia Coast Marina,
managed by the Department of Transport (DoT), accommodates commercial and recreational
vessels and the new infrastructure will provide much-needed berthing facilities,
with the appropriate service infrastructure to meet the needs of the City of
Greater Geraldton's tourism industry.
People interested in
becoming a pen holder at Batavia Coast Marina can visit: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/ml-geraldton.asp
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David
Michael:
"The Cook Government is investing in targeted multipurpose
coastal infrastructure to meet growing demand for boat pens at the same time as
boosting opportunities for growth in marine-based tourism along the Batavia Coast.
"This project builds on an earlier investment at the
Geraldton Port where the Mid West Ports Authority constructed a single berth,
fixed-jetty structure.
"Like the jetty at the Port, the pen project provides tourism
facilities specifically designed for easy loading and unloading of passengers,
and will assist commercial operators as they work to increase visits to the
pristine Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park."
Comments attributed to Geraldton
MLA Lara Dalton:
"This further investment will provide great access for
local boat owners and will be a great boost to our tourism industry.
"There is no doubt that Geraldton supports a strong
boating community for residents and visitors alike.
"Local businesses will also benefit through the
construction phase of this project.
"I am proud to be part of the Cook Government investing in
our local community."
