The Western Australian government has taken a significant step towards revitalising the waterfront precinct in Bunbury.
A recent land and seabed tenure change will dramatically increase the available space at Casuarina Boat Harbour — setting the stage for exciting development opportunities as part of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront (TBW) project.
This change involves the Department of Transport (DoT), Southern Ports Authority, and the City of Bunbury reallocating land previously part of Bunbury’s Outer Harbour to the TBW project.
This move will unlock new land and marine facility development potential, starting with the opportunity to redevelop three industrial sheds currently used by Iluka Resources for mineral sand storage, following the end of existing leases.
Developers are now invited to express interest in redeveloping these sheds, which range in size from approximately 1,440 square metres to 3,168 square metres.
The sheds could be repurposed for various uses, including retail, hospitality, marine industry, or community purposes.
The TBW project includes constructing a new breakwater at the entrance to Casuarina Boat Harbour, upgrading existing marine facilities, and developing key marine infrastructure and marine servicing facilities.
These improvements will enable Casuarina Boat Harbour to accommodate more boat pens, providing a boon to the local boating community.
Expressions of interest were previously sought for the development of key sites on the western side of the harbour, including 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 finalised.
WA Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport David Michael commented on the significance of this expansion, noting that it will bring the vision for the facility to reality.
“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,” said Michael.
Regional Development Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch expressed excitement about the redevelopment, noting that it will create a new precinct and reinvigorate the area.
“This will build on the significant work undertaken so far to transform prime waterfront land, unlocking economic and community benefits that will further position Bunbury as Western Australia’s second city,” said Punch.
To submit an Expression of Interest for the sheds, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/leasing-opportunities.asp.
For more information about the TBW project, visit Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront – South West Development Commission (swdc.wa.gov.au).
TBW is a state government project overseen by the South West Development Commission, with Stage 3 – Phase 1 to be project managed by the Department of Transport (DoT) and delivered in partnership with relevant partner agencies.
