Next stage of the Bunbury waterfront transformation set to begin

• $1.1 million contract awarded to upgrade of the Casuarina Boat Harbour boat ramp
• Local company SMC Marine to undertake the redevelopment
• First project in $78.1 million Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront Stage 3 Phase 1 

A $1.1 million contract to upgrade Casuarina Boat Harbour boat ramp has been awarded to local Western Australian company SMC Marine.

The contract will see the current 28-year-old ramp and fixed timber jetty upgraded to a new modern facility, with a floating jetty and two-lane ramp designed to better accommodate large trailers and wider vessels.

For safety reasons, the boat ramp will need to be temporarily closed for approximately two months during the work. The Department of Transport will provide notice to users in advance and suggest alternative launch sites.

Additional work to upgrade the boat ramp parking facilities is planned for 2023.

This contract is part of broader works included in the $78.1 million Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront Stage 3 Phase 1 project, which will see the delivery of more waterfront infrastructure including:

• construction of new breakwaters at Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay;
• community facilities such as toilets at Casuarina Boat Harbour boat ramp and recreational platforms; and
• serviced lease sites for marine commercial activities including boat lifting, servicing and storage. 

For more information about this project, please visit Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront - South West Development Commission at swdc.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Transforming Bunbury Waterfront project includes key infrastructure to support the future development of the marine industry and provide long-term assets for the community to enjoy and benefit from.

"Our further commitment of $78.1 million in the first phase of Stage 3 will have ongoing economic and social benefits for the local community and the region.

"My department will oversee the project and will work with users to ensure the impact of the temporary closure is limited, as design work continues on the Casuarina Boat Harbour and Koombana Bay breakwaters."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"Congratulations to SMC Marine, who has been awarded the contract and has previously worked on the Augusta Boat Harbour.

"The upgraded boat ramp will provide a safer launch facility for the region's growing boating community."

Comments attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

"It's great to see a new ramp at Casuarina Boat Harbour built by a local company for local boaties. I am really looking forward to seeing these works start.

"The initial boat ramp project will provide a further economic boost for the local economy and employ a regional workforce of 13, adding to the $45 million invested in the first two stages of the transformation."

Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200