Letter: Sandra Carr MLC updates Jurien Bay residents on progress of its harbour upgrade works

I would like to touch base with the community regarding the Jurien Bay Boat Harbour. Funding of $17.5 million was allocated in the Cook Labor Government’s 2024-25 State Budget to reconfigure the breakwater at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour to address seasonal seagrass build-up, water quality issues, and to facilitate opportunities for private investment in the region. I was pleased to work with the Shire of Dandaragan and members of the Jurien Bay community to present the petition developed by passionate Jurien Bay resident Penelope Normington to help secure funding for this project. The decision to reconfigure the breakwater is based on Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure extensive data collection trials, modelling, and studies. As a result, the northern breakwater at Jurien Bay Boat Harbour is to be extended by 170m. Dredging works are planned in late 2025, to remove the seaweed and deepen navigation channels, assist navigation, improve water quality, and restore natural tidal flushing. This follows thorough scientific investigation to determine the best way to remedy the annual accumulation of seagrass wrack in the harbour which has resulted in poor water quality issues, fish kills and beach closures. Modelling studies show the reconfiguration of the harbour entrance will divert about 80 per cent of the wrack movement into the harbour, limiting potential for decomposition and deoxygenation of the water. The reconfiguration project is under way, with detailed design in progress and a request for tenders for the construction to follow. I assure the community the delivery of the reconfigured boat harbour remains a priority for me and the Cook Labor Government, and continues to progress. More information and progress updates can be found at www.transport.wa.gov.au/marine/projects-coastal-management/maritime-coastal-infrastructure-projects/jurien-bay-boat-harbour.