During 2007 and 2008, work undertaken during Stage 3 of the Bunbury Coastal Enhancement Project transformed Ocean Drive, running the length of the Back Beach, into an attractive boulevard.
This work valued at $7.9 million included the construction of three new car parks and a central median strip.
Land between the sand dunes and road was widened and redeveloped with reticulation, garden beds, turf, new paths, street furniture, fencing and an ablution block.
Solid concrete stairways providing access to the beach were a construction challenge for Council’s contractors due to the constantly changing beach environs.
As a result of this work, the contractors Hassell Ltd and their associate contractors took out two awards at the recent Concrete, Cement and Aggregates Australia national biennial awards for Landscape architects.
Ocean Drive’s concrete paths and steps were judged the best path project nationally for 2008/2009 from a field of 50 competitors.
The judges noted the skilful application of a variety of construction methods and the use of several finishes, including sand blasting and exposed aggregate that are ideal for an exposed coastal environment.
