Work under way on $25m Augusta boat harbour, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 05-October-2011
Work has started on the new $25million Augusta Boat Harbour project, which will provide much-needed safe and direct ocean access for recreational and commercial craft between Busselton and Albany
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said construction on the facility’s access road would start this week, following Commonwealth environmental approval for the project at Flat Rock in Flinders Bay.
“The alignment of the access road has been carefully chosen to avoid negative impacts on the local environment, in particular declared rare flora, and will run from Leeuwin Road along the ocean front to the planned quarry and car parking area,” Mr Buswell said
“The first task is to provide road access for the large machinery involved in the quarry activities associated with the construction of the breakwaters and the bulk earthworks.”
The project, funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, includes the construction of two breakwaters to create a protected harbour basin featuring a four lane boat launching ramp, two boat holding jetties, a 40-metre service jetty and associated facilities and parking for at least 160 vehicles with trailers.
Further stages of development may include the provision of up to 50 boat pens and commercial development opportunities.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the new boat harbour was another example of Royalties for Regions providing vital community infrastructure.
“The Augusta Boat Harbour will provide long lasting benefits to the Western Australian boating community in terms of boating access and safety. Importantly it will also have economic benefits for the South-West region through flow on tourism and business opportunities,” Mr Grylls said.
The Minister also praised the partnership formed between the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the Department of Transport (DoT), which had ensured the timely commencement of the project.
“The road works will be undertaken by the shire utilising local contractors and suppliers, which is great news for the Augusta community,” he said.
“The road will be initially constructed to a temporary limestone surface, which will take about 12 weeks to complete, with permanent completion of the road to take place during the later phase of the project.”
