Construction of the Ocean Reef Marina in Western Australia has been given the green light by the State Government, with up to 800,000 tonnes of locally sourced limestone to be used in the building process.
The local material will be used to build two breakwaters that measure in at two kilometres in length and up to 18.5 metres from the ocean floor. Granite will be used as an outer armour to protect the limestone.
The limestone will be supplied by Neerabup Quarry, which has a history of boosting jobs after previously being contracted to a wide range of projects across Western Australia, including the Perth to Darwin Highway.
“The planned quarrying for the limestone to construct the breakwaters is an exciting milestone for the Ocean Reef Marina project,” said Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan. “People will soon see this long-awaited development actually taking shape in the water, and local workers and businesses will benefit as construction gets underway.
“The marina will showcase this magnificent coastline, cater for boating enthusiasts and create hundreds of local jobs.”
With construction beginning this year, the State Government said 200 construction jobs will be initially created, with that number set to increase as the project advances.
MERIDIAN PARK DEVELOPMENT
According to Lands Minister Ben Wyatt, Neerabup Quarry, which is run by statutory body DevelopmentWA, has the potential to unlock new industrial land.
“Quarrying the limestone and sand at Neerabup will allow new industrial land to be unlocked at Meridian Park and is a great example of how DevelopmentWA and the ILA (Industrial Lands Authority) are driving efficiencies and creating opportunities for WA businesses,” he said. “Thanks to a continual flow of new investment the industrial estate is currently experiencing a wave of new building activity, with one build completed recently and five new builds underway. Some of the businesses include a food wholesale retailer, a scaffold-hire business and a commercial bakery.
“This project is unlocking economic growth, creating new jobs and a wonderful marine playground for the people of Western Australia.”
Once completed, the marina is expected to deliver more than 900 jobs to Western Australians.