Works on two breakwaters for the Ocean Reef Marina in Western Australia are now underway, paving way for a vibrant waterfront precinct which will provide a range of recreational, tourism, residential, boating facilities and employment opportunities.
The two-kilometre-long breakwaters, each rising up to 18.5 metres from the ocean floor, will protect boats and users within the marina. The breakwaters will have a limestone core and be surrounded by granite for protection from the elements. Approximately 650,000 tonnes of limestone rocks – ranging from 0.5 to three tonnes each – and 300,000 tonnes of one to 10-tonne granite rocks will be delivered to the site from early March.
The large granite rocks are being quarried in Byford while the majority of limestone will be sourced locally from DevelopmentWA’s Neerabup quarry. Some granite and limestone from the existing breakwater will also be reused.
The commencement of works follows extensive testing of the marina and breakwaters design, including the construction of a 1:55 scale model.
Construction of the breakwaters by two WA businesses – WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group – is expected to create an additional 56 jobs for Western Australians and will commence in late March.
Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan said the start of the breakwater works marks an exciting new stage in the development of the Ocean Reef Marina.
“The landmark project is helping boost local businesses, with 94 WA companies already engaged to work on the project,” the Premier said.
“The iconic precinct is expected to deliver a $3 billion boost to the Western Australian economy and support 8,600 construction jobs.”
Lands Minister Ben Wyatt said Ocean Reef Marina is set to become Perth’s, and Western Australia’s, premier recreational boating destination.
“The gold-standard precinct will provide a new, exciting community hub for the northern suburbs, providing a significant boost to the local community and delivering thousands of local jobs,” Mr Wyatt said.
From the outset of planning the new Ocean Reef Marina, the Western Australian Government has remained committed to delivering the project in an environmentally responsible and sensitive way.
The marine component of the development has been the subject of the highest level of environmental assessment – a Public Environmental Review by the Environmental Protection Authority – which found the project would not have a significant impact on the environment.