AUGUSTA residents can celebrate more than 10 years of planning and construction with the opening of the boat harbour.
On November 21, the $34.6 million Augusta Boat Harbour will be officially opened.
Planning for the project began in 2003 when the Shire of Augusta Margaret River formed a committee in response to local feedback.
Residents said Flinders Bay boating facility and the shallow sand bar at Blackwood River mouth made it unsafe for boat users and restricted navigable access.
It was from there that seven other sites were chosen as potential new harbour facilities.
Flat Rock was the chosen location by many residents and the South West Development Commission.
After receiving Royalties for Regions funding, stage one of the construction started in 2011.
The first stage of the harbour project features two breakwaters, a four-lane boat launching ramp with two boat-holding jetties, 40 boat pens, a service wharf, fully serviced land development lots, parking for at least 160 vehicles with trailers and 80 cars, toilets and a landscaped jetty promenade area.
Stage two included additional car / trailer parking and car parking, additional floating boat pens, public art, Universal access boating pontoon, universal access fishing platform, viewing area along Leeuwin Road.
Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman said the harbour project would provide flow on benefits for the Augusta community once operational.
“Recent increases in charter operators in the area and expanded aquaculture activities in Flinders Bay highlight the tourism and commercial opportunities,” Mr Redman said.
“The new harbour will support future development of the entire South West region.”
The open day will start at 10am with the official ceremony at 12pm.
The day will feature displays and activities from department of transport, Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association, Augusta Sea Search and Rescue, Ngari Marine Park, Ocean Grown Abalone, RecfishWest, South West Development Commission and the WA Fishing Industry Council.
