Transformation of Bunbury waterfront precinct a step closer

The delivery of a new waterfront precinct in Bunbury is a step closer following a land and seabed tenure change that will significantly increase available space at Casuarina Boat Harbour and pave the way for development opportunities.

As part of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW), tenure changes involving the Western Australian Department of Transport (DoT), Southern Ports Authority and the City of Bunbury Council will see land previously forming part of Bunbury’s Outer Harbour reallocated to the TBW project.

A statement from the Western Australian Government advises that the changes will unlock new land and marine facility development potential beginning with the opportunity to redevelop three industrial sheds currently used by Iluka Resources for the storage of minerals sands, following the end of existing leases.

Expressions of interest are now being sought from developers keen to redevelop the sheds. It is envisaged the sheds, ranging in size from approximately 1,440 metres² to 3,168 metres², could be repurposed for a range of uses including retail, hospitality, marine industry or community use.

Western Australian Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, David Michael advised “this is a significant expansion of the boat harbour that will bring the vision for the facility to reality

“The redevelopment opportunities that are being created will see Casuarina Boat Harbour not only become a regional hub for the marine industry but also as a place to be enjoyed by the local community and visitors with possible hospitality, tourism and accommodation services.

“The land area is double the size with the boundary extending to where the new northern breakwater will be constructed providing sheltered water to accommodate up to 400 new boat pens, up from 60 currently.

“The boating community is already benefiting from the recent upgrades to the public boat ramp and trailer parking within the harbour. Local Indigenous business Koormal Contracting recently completed a new toilet block at the facility in December 2023.”

The TBW project involves the construction of a new breakwater at the entrance to Casuarina Boat Harbour, key marine infrastructure and marine servicing facilities, as well as the upgrading of existing marine facilities.

Western Australian Regional Development Minister and member for Bunbury Don Punch added “we’re taking the exciting next steps with redeveloping the waterfront. A marine industry hub, together with opportunities to redevelop the sheds, is expected to create a new precinct and reinvigorate this area of Bunbury

“I am looking forward to seeing Bunbury’s potential as a thriving, contemporary waterfront city being further fulfilled through the next stage of the project.”

Last year expressions of interest were called for the development of key sites on the western side of the harbour to develop a boat lifting, marine service and repair precinct and a future boat stacking operation. A preferred developer has been selected and lease agreement terms are being developed.

TBW is a Western Australian Government project overseen by the South West Development Commission, with Stage 3 - Phase 1 to be project managed by the DoT and delivered in partnership with relevant partner agencies.

Click here for more information about the TBW project.