On-water changes at Koombana Bay follow timely review

Construction of a new 460 metre northern breakwater at Casuarina Boat Harbour at Bunbury, the centrepiece of Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront, has seen recent changes to on-water activities to ensure safety.

With the below water rock footprint of the new breakwater nearing completion there has been a reduction in the size of one of the two water ski areas to improve safety, along with amendments to the five and eight knot speed restricted areas and reopening of waters for use by kayaks, windsurfers, sailing dinghies and similar craft. There’s also a closed waters to motorised vessels area at Jetty Baths enhance swimmer safety and new navigation aids at the harbour entrance to assist skippers.  

The timely changes follow a formal process called an aquatic use review or AUR designed to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of the State's waterways.

The Department of Transport initiates an AUR when there is a need to consider use of a waterway due to changes to the natural or built environment, changing demand for on-water activities, conflict or serious concerns about use that may threaten safety. Each review follows a set process that includes preliminary consultation with local authorities and peak user groups and then engages the broader community to provide feedback on any proposed change.

To find out if an AUR is being considered in your area, please contact our Navigational Safety team at navigational.safety@transport.wa.gov.au View the updated Bunbury Busselton Boating Guide to see the changes.