The Western Australian Government has announced $15 million in funding for the construction of a new public access bridge at Bunbury’s Turkey Point.
Construction of the public access bridge is expected to support more than 150 jobs over the next two years in the Bunbury region.
Works will include design and construction of a new access road from Estuary Drive with a bridge over Preston River and tie-ins to Estuary Drive and the existing road to Turkey Point.
Western Australian Ports Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, said, “This major construction project will support jobs and stimulate local businesses as we work to reopen our State’s economy.
“The Port of Bunbury plays an integral role in supporting our State’s economy, and this project will help pave the way for increased trade through the port.”
The project aims to create safer and easier public access to Turkey Point and Vittoria Bay, where the existing access road runs through the Port of Bunbury, impacting Port operations.
The project will also support improved safety and security, and will ensure the Port’s northern berths can facilitate trade and meet revenue forecasts during the development of the Inner Harbour.
Bunbury MLA, Don Punch, said, “The whole community wins with this project, the operations of one of our key economic drivers in the Port are improved, local people get better, safer access to a favourite fishing and recreation spot, and we are creating local jobs.
“Now more than ever the McGowan Government is supporting the Bunbury community by creating local jobs for local people and stimulating our economy with important infrastructure projects that will deliver lasting benefits.”
The bridge will define the northern boundary of the Port and will support the eventual construction of Berth 10 and future rail expansion.
The new road will provide alternative access to the port’s northern berths and see improvements in reduced congestion between vehicles entering and exiting the port, and public road users.
Geotech works are planned to commence from September 2020, with ground preparation and earthworks to follow from February 2021 and the final stage of bridge construction in late 2021.
