Removal of bulk fuel tank from Bunbury harbour

11/10/93

The skyline of Bunbury's Harbour City project area is expected to undergo a major change with the removal of the largest of the bulk fuel tanks atop Marlston Hill before Christmas.

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan and Energy Minister Colin Barnett said today that the removal of the tank, adjacent to the lighthouse and opposite the Lighthouse Inn Beach Resort, would signal the beginning of major changes for the 'tank farm' that had dominated the northern end of the city for more than three decades.

Mr Cowan said the tank was installed by the State Energy Commission more than 30 years ago, initially to provide an emergency fuel source for the then newly-built Bunbury power station.

"Later, BP Australia Ltd leased the tank from SECWA to supplement its adjacent storage facilities," he said.

"However, with the cessation of bulk fuel deliveries to Bunbury by sea this year the tank is no longer needed there."

Mr Barnett said agreement in principle had been reached between BP and SECWA for BP to remove the tank and rehabilitate the site.

He said the approval of other relevant authorities such as the Environmental Protection Authority and Bunbury City Council would need to be secured. However, he said he expected that to occur shortly.

Mr Cowan said removal of the 'tank farm' was an objective of the Bunbury Harbour City Plan.

The plan indicated that the area would be suitable for residential development once the fuel tanks and associated facilities were removed and the site restored to the EPA's satisfaction.

"The South West Development Authority is currently negotiating with the oil companies that use the area - BP, Shell and Caltex - on a program to remove the remaining tanks," Mr Cowan said.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595