Changes required to ensure safety at Koombana Bay

Feedback is being sought on proposed on-water changes required to ensure user safety with the introduction of the new 460 metre northern breakwater at Casuarina Boat Harbour as part of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project.

Following consultation with key local stakeholders, the Department of Transport (DoT) today opened for community comment the Bunbury Aquatic Use Review (AUR) and detailed proposed changes designed to ensure the continued safe use of Koombana Bay.

The proposals include minor boundary changes to the five and eight knot speed restricted areas at Casuarina Boat Harbour, a reduction in the size of one of the two water ski areas at Koombana Bay and reopening of waters near the Dolphin Discovery Centre for use by kayaks, windsurfers, sailing dinghies and similar craft by implementing a single extended area closed to motorised vessel which also improves swimmer safety. The review will also look to formalise the closed waters to motorised vessels area within the Casuarina Boat Harbour at the Jetty Baths to enhance swimmer safety.

The position of new navigation aids to enhance the safety for those transiting the entrance to Casuarina Boat Harbour is also outlined.   
   
Department of Transport (DoT) Maritime Executive Director Chris Mather said feedback from regular users of the waterway and the broader public was an important part of AUR process. 

“While the purpose of every review is to ensure the safe, equitable and sustainable use of a waterway, our considerations also include the opinions of the community,” Mr Mather said.

“With the construction of the breakwater now in progress it is timely to review the on-water arrangements at Koombana Bay. We have worked with the City on Bunbury, consulted the relevant agencies and authorities and also spoken with peak user groups to draft the proposals that have been presented for comment.”

For more information about the aquatic review and participate in a survey about the changes visit our website. 

Comment on the proposals is sought until 15 December 2024.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au