FLAT ROCK: A $17 million contract has been let to quarry 500,000 tonnes of rock here and to build two breakwaters for the Augusta Boat Harbour. The harbour is scheduled to be open in 2014.
A JOINT venture between two Perth-based companies experienced in building seawalls and marinas has been awarded the $17 million contract to build the Augusta Boat Harbour breakwaters.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the joint venture’s ability to quarry 500,000 tonnes of rock on site at Flat Rock and place it quickly to create a breakwaters and reclaimed land area for the boat harbour was a major factor in awarding the biggest contract associated with the 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 3000 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.”
WA Limestone and Italia Stone Group, both of Bibra Lake, formed the joint venture awarded the contract.
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 between Flinders Bay and Cape Leeuwin.
There will also be parking for 160 vehicles with trailers with the rock quarry floor eventually forming part of the parking area.
Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council has overseen preliminary works by local contractors which involved removal of 60,000 tonnes of soil and 8000 tonnes of rock.
Initial vegetation rehabilitation works in conservation areas next to the site have been completed with more than 6250 seedlings planted.
The boat harbour is scheduled to be opened in 2014 to provide a safe harbour for recreational and commercial craft between Busselton and Albany.
