The Western Australia (WA) Government has announced the awarding of a A$69.2m ($46.67m) contract for the construction of a new northern breakwater at Bunbury's Casuarina Boat Harbour in the state. 

This forms a part of the broader Stage 3.1 of the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront project, which includes a A$78.1m investment from the state government. 

With dredging scheduled to begin next month, this development is expected to create sheltered harbour waters with a 46m-long breakwater. 

A joint venture between WA-based companies WA Limestone Contracting and Italia Stone Group will be responsible for constructing the new breakwater.  

The Australian Department of Transport (DoT), as the harbour manager and delivery agency, is collaborating with the South West Development Commission, the lead agency, to construct the new breakwater. 

WA Transport Minister David Michael said: “This is the largest coastal infrastructure contract ever awarded by DoT and will deliver critical new infrastructure that will underpin the rejuvenation of the harbour as a regional marine hub. 

“The new breakwater will support new commercial and recreational boat pens and service wharf and create a harbour capable of sustaining a future marine servicing precinct incorporating boat lifting, boat servicing and boat storage, plus opportunities for serviced lease sites for other marine commercial activities."

The project will involve a dredging campaign to prepare the foundation footprint and clear the entrance channel to the reconfigured harbour. 

Furthermore, the contract includes the refurbishment of the existing beach groyne on the Koombana Bay foreshore.  

This structure could be extended to accommodate a potential future Koombana Bay marina, following recent environmental approval.  

Construction is anticipated to begin later this year. 

Last year, the government announced the commencement of forward works at the site of a proposed screen production facility located near the Malaga Metronet station precinct.