WA companies awarded $17m contract for earthworks and build breakwaters
Completion scheduled for September 2013
State Govt Royalties for Regions-funded project
The biggest contract associated with the new Augusta Boat Harbour has been awarded to a joint venture between WA companies, WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group.
The harbour, which will provide a much needed sheltered water area for recreational and commercial craft between Busselton and Albany, will be ready for use in 2014 following the provision of access roads, car parks, services and marine infrastructure.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the $17million contract to quarry 500,000 tonne of rock and build the breakwaters and reclaimed land area for the boat harbour at Flat Rock in Flinders, marked a major milestone for the State Government's Royalties for Regions-funded project.
"To limit the potential impact of noise associated with quarrying on the migrating whale population, a major consideration in awarding the contract was the capacity of the contractor to quarry and place rock at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per day to meet the tight construction deadline," Mr Buswell said.
"Contractors will commence preliminary work on site in October and full scale production in November with completion scheduled for September 2013."
Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the harbour would provide significant benefits to the local community and acknowledged the strong support of the project's partner.
"The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has co-ordinated the work of local contractors to complete the preliminary works including a temporary access road and ocean walls, laydown areas, a public viewing platform, parking area and fencing," Mr Grylls said.
"The completed boat harbour will retain and provide flow-on benefits to local business operations and the Augusta community by providing capacity to service and maintain the existing commercial and seasonal fleets and an anticipated large-vessel recreational boat fleet."
The project will see two breakwaters built to create a protected harbour basin accommodating a four-lane boat launching ramp; two boat-holding jetties; and a service jetty. There will also be parking for at least 160 vehicles with trailers.
Fact File
Earthworks completed to date include removal of 60,000 tonnes (3,500 truck loads) of soil and 8,000 tonnes of rock
Initial phase of vegetation rehabilitation works in conservation areas next to the site also completed with more than 6,250 seedlings planted
More info about the project at http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/augustaboatharbour
Transport Minister's office - 6552 6400
Regional Development and Lands Minister's office - 6552 5500
