Bunbury is set to boast a world-class foreshore at Koombana Bay with a successful tenderer for the work announced at Tuesday evening’s Bunbury City Council meeting.
Ertech Pty Ltd will carry out the $10.8 million dollar project, which includes the construction of an iconic pedestrian bridge over The Plug; an amphitheatre; improved kiosk and public facilities; accessible playground; revamped public areas and car parks; plus engineered sea walls and associated infrastructure.
Sixteen South West contractors will be engaged by Ertech, with the value of local work being $7.85 million, or 72 per cent of the total funds to be spent on the project.
The work is being carried out as Stage 1 of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project, a joint effort between the City and South West Development Commission and funded through the State Government’s Royalties For Regions Growing Our South Initiative.
Work is expected to begin after Easter and be completed by early December.
Key facts about the Koombana Bay revitalisation include:
- Access to the beach will be limited during construction and at times it will be fully closed to the public;
- Access to the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Koombana Bay Sailing Club will be maintained;
- Construction of 100 extra parking bays, taking the total to almost 400;
- Improved traffic access, including left turn only from Anchorage Cove to Koombana Drive;
- A pedestrian promenade along the beach;
- Iconic pedestrian bridge over The Plug that links the CBD and Koombana Bay;
- Revamped kiosk and public amenities;
- Improved beach access, including disabled access;
- Amphitheatre and shaded areas;
- Coastal sea wall to address erosion issues;
- Extensive landscaped areas overlooking the beach, including the relocation of car parks closer to Koombana Drive;Removal of the old train line;
- Construction of an accessible playground.
South West Development Commission Assistant Director Infrastructure Ashley Clements welcomed the announcement, saying it was a significant step forward in terms of delivering on the vision that was presented to the community.
“It is an exciting time for the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project, with forward works for the Dolphin Discovery Centre redevelopment under way and work on the Koombana Bay foreshore soon to begin,” he said.
“In previous years, we’ve seen areas such as Marlston Hill transformed and benefit Bunbury. This is the next step in taking the city forward.”
Kaylee Meerton
Email: kaylee.meerton@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: kaylee.meerton@fairfaxmedia.com.au
