Massive Koombana Bay Revamp Happening Soon!

This sounds awesome!


Article heading image for Massive Koombana Bay Revamp Happening Soon!

Bunbury will by the end of the year boast a world-class foreshore at Koombana Bay with a successful tenderer for the work announced at last night’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 $7.85m, 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.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the foreshore project was just one part of a significant transformation in the Koombana Bay area.
“The revitalised foreshore will be an inviting and functional space where locals and visitors can enjoy one of the City’s greatest assets in landscaped surroundings,” Mr Brennan said. “It will open the area up for a range of uses such as markets, events and concerts, while also providing a far more attractive place for families and visitors to enjoy the beach.”

Mr Brennan said the foreshore revitalisation was one of the most significant infrastructure projects to be carried out in Bunbury in recent years.

“Not only will this have long-term benefits for the community, but it will provide an economic shot in the arm during the construction phase with so many local companies being involved,” Mr Brennan said.

“People will see a significant transformation take place in this key entry into the City over the next few years.

“Already we have seen the upgrade of Koombana Drive, forward works have started on the Department of Parks and Wildlife Headquarters, and the first two stages of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront are fully funded.

“Add to this the imminent construction of the residential and commercial complex at Koombana North, and there is certainly plenty to be excited about.

“The Koombana Foreshore Redevelopment is also another demonstration of confidence in the City’s ability to undertake large infrastructure projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.”

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.”

23 January 2020




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