4.4 Transformative project highlights

Adopted in 2023, Bunbury Port Masterplan provides an overview in a 30-year time horizon, being responsive to emerging markets and delivers on the port’s key role to facilitate trade. A renewed Bunbury Port Optimisation Plan (BPOP) provides an overview of the requirements needed to meet future growth in the region and the necessary infrastructure requirements. This plan is currently under review by State Government.

Bunbury Port is a critical component of the transport supply chain and it is well placed for a future that looks towards more Indian Ocean markets. New demands will necessitate adaptation for supply chain efficiencies and evolving needs. That puts an onus on operations to safeguard port landholdings for port-related trade in the decades ahead.

Currently operating across two sites – an Inner and Outer Harbour – realisation of the existing outer harbour for an extended period may be required. Capacity exists to create additional berths within the port footprint, move to more land-backed facilities, widen the channel to accommodate larger vessels and create an operations centre with autonomous control capability to maximise efficiency and minimise demurrage costs.

Economic gains to be enjoyed by investment in the port cannot be under-estimated and reach beyond the region to Perth. It is well recognised the expanse of land over 400ha is well placed to assist with the West Coast trade demands.

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The construction of an Intermodal Terminal (IMT) will be critical economic infrastructure serving Bunbury Port, advanced manufacturing and the efficient transfer of freight.

The subject of an Infrastructure WA submission, the location of the IMT has been identified as Waterloo (DoT 2019, DPLH 2020), a strategic optimal location linking Bunbury Port, Picton, Preston and Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area. The 1,350ha Waterloo site also intersects the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, due to be completed by 2026, and existing rail infrastructure.

Additional rail corridor capacity will facilitate efficiency, reduced road usage and will improve both industry and social outcomes.

The18km Brunswick section requires duplication and grade separation as the line reaches operational capacity, while a Kemerton spur would provide rail as a transport choice for tenants of the Strategic Industrial Area.

A proposed Greenbushes line reinstatement is looking unlikely which advances a view that the South Western Highway requires investment to cater for road freight volumes.

All upgrades would need to be considered in relation to efficiently linking in with the future creation of a South West intermodal terminal.

The Transforming Bunbury’s waterfront (TBW) 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 and the Koombana foreshore, through to the Jetty Baths. The Jetty Road causeway upgrade has been completed.

Stage 3 of the project has progressed with the refurbishment of the boat ramp and upgrades for trailer parking at Casuarina Boat Harbour. The 460m Northern Breakwater structure, which is being constructed with 400,000 tonnes of rock, is critical to creating a safe, year-round facility for 300 future boat pens in the harbour. The breakwater works are expected to reach full height by the end of 2025.

Meanwhile, design and development of the broader marine precinct (including future boat lifting, servicing and stacking) is under way. Dredging has been completed and land reclamation for future marine facilities, landscaping and dune protection is progressing along with measures.

Ultimately, TBW will see recreational and commercial boat pens created in the sheltered Casuarina Boat Harbour, sparking private investment in marine services as well as anticipated tourism investments. The overall investment has been $112m to date and will change the face of Western Australia’s second city, changing perceptions as works transition from dominantly industrial to a marine precinct and tourism drawcard.