4.4 Transformative project highlights

The 1.8km Busselton Jetty is the South West’s most visited attraction and features one of just six underwater observatories internationally. Plans for a $26m investment at the end of the jetty will boost the visitor experience, offering interpretation zone with exhibits, artificial reef trail, underwater viewing, night underwater dining, three function areas, an exhibition space, new platform for boats, and locally sourced, world-class food and beverages.

This project will see Bunbury reimagined as a city connected to Geographe Bay. Work has been ongoing and has seen early stages delivered from the Dolphin Discovery Centre to Koombana Bay Sailing Club. Inground and key infrastructure works have seen Jetty Road Causeway rebuilt and the project progress to Casuarina Drive. Ultimately, Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront(TBW) will see yacht pens created in the sheltered Casuarina Boat Harbour area, at the sailing club and will spark investment in marine services and accommodation adding to those investments at Koombana North.

Not least, TBW will change the perceptions of Bunbury and underline its second city status.

Busselton Margaret River Airport requires a terminal building that reflects the region’s quality brand and serves as an appropriate, high level introduction/ farewell as expected from visitors to the Capes region.

Now servicing three direct RPT (Regular Passenger Transport) flight between Melbourne and Busselton, along with 31 closed charter flights for the resources sector, the airport services 140,000 passengers per year. There is an urgent need to upgrade the terminal to a scale that allows all passengers to disembark smoothly and departing passengers to be processed through baggage and security for outbound flights. Facilities will be required to have capacity for a fast turnaround.

Manjimup plans to develop Australia’s first trailbike hub which will provide unique access to State Forests and will extend to enable access to ATVs. The hub is expected to attract more than 33,600 visitors each year and builds on Manjimup’s reputation as a dirt bike racing destination. It is expected that the project will inject almost $13m in annual visitor expenditure and will support the creation of 75 jobs once completed. The hub will attract support businesses and parts sales as well as anticipated food and accommodation services.

The Karri Bowl project centres around the stunning Boranup State Forest, and working in with the proposed Wadandi Track. The WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions proposes a raised walkway with visitor centre including an Aboriginal cultural experience. The project would require the rerouting of Caves Road and once delivered promises permanent employment outcomes for the Wadandi Pibulmen people.

The South West is Western Australia’s premier mountain bike and trails destination. Adding quality to the regional offering supports branding reputation and adds to environmental values.

High quality mountain bike projects in Collie, Margaret River and Nannup enhance the region’s prominence founded on the world renowned Bibbulmun Track, Munda Biddi Trail and Cape to Cape Track.