Investing in Infrastructure to Support our Growing State - State Budget 2014-15: Beachside centre refitted as marine research base

Derelict research facilities at Watermans Bay will be rebuilt at a cost of $11million in a project which will enhance Western Australia's marine and fisheries research capabilities and see the beachside centre become a hub for more than 40 scientists and research staff.
  • Perth takes lead on Indian Ocean research as major transformation begins at Watermans Bay facility
  • State Government injects $4m to restore marine and fisheries research centre

Derelict research facilities at Watermans Bay will be rebuilt at a cost of $11million in a project which will enhance Western Australia's marine and fisheries research capabilities and see the beachside centre become a hub for more than 40 scientists and research staff.

Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said the State Government had committed $4million in 2014-15, plus made available existing land and buildings at Watermans Bay, on West Coast Drive, to provide a seaside base for the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC) project.

The Federal Government, The University of Western Australia (UWA), CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the State Government have formed the IOMRC partnership for research covering climate change, the sustainable use of marine resources and conserving marine biodiversity.

           

"The Watermans Bay facility is beside an A-class marine reserve providing a rare opportunity to source seawater of research quality from a pristine environment," Mr Baston said.

The existing research facility has not been used since 2012 and is deemed unsafe for occupation.  It will be gutted and fully upgraded inside and out to provide contemporary research facilities. The seawater intake will also be refurbished.

The Minister said the research work performed at Watermans Bay by Department of Fisheries, UWA and CSIRO staff would build the international marine research status of both the State and Australia.

"The Watermans Bay facility is attracting leading researchers and scientists and complements the new IOMRC building at UWA's Crawley campus," he said.

Fact File

  • A tender has been awarded to allow work to begin later this month at Watermans Bay and is expected to be completed within 12 months
  • CSIRO has committed $5m and UWA $2m towards the $11m project
  • More information is available at http://www.uwa.edu.au/iomrc   
  • WA Budget statements are available at http://ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5400