Future Directions in Engineering and Public Works at The City of Busselton
The newly proclaimed City of Busselton is marking its change in status with a series of major construction projects. Covering everything from expansion of the Regional Airport to building a Community Resource Centre, the projects are dedicated to ensuring Busselton’s viability and security into the future.
The Community Resource Centre (CRC) & Library expansion, initiated in October 2011, is to provide both locals and visitors with a range of services and facilities, encouraging community interaction, and will also provide offices for a number of non for profit organisations.
In November 2011 the Council adopted the Master Plan 2012–2031 for the Busselton Regional Airport, augmenting the upgrade already funded through the Regional Airport Development Scheme (RADS) earlier in 2011. Implementation of the Plan will mean that the airport can accommodate international and interstate flights, drawing increased tourism and contributing to the growth of the region.
Part of this reinvigoration of Busselton for both the local community and visitors has seen the creation of a Cultural Precinct. Launched in February, construction of the Precinct took five months and, according to Oliver Darby, Director of Engineering & Works, was painstaking, "This was a difficult project to schedule because the nature of the work meant that it could not be undertaken during the rainy season. It involved preparation and laying of more than 400,000 tiles; there was absolutely no margin for error. City workers have done a brilliant job."
Two further major projects that continue apace are the Busselton and Dunsborough Foreshore Redevelopments, both focusing on revitalising and protecting the foreshore areas for future generations.
Stage 1 of the Busselton Foreshore project saw a $27 million refurbishment of the historic Busselton Jetty, which was re-opened in January 2011;
Stage 2 incorporates major land side works. Phase 1 of the Foreshore project, funded by Royalties for Regions, has seen the construction of a 400m protective seawall along the western end of the foreshore, completed in December 2011.
"Approximately 7000 tonnes of granite and ironstone have been placed along the existing seawall, providing a great visual amenity and significantly strengthening the original structure," Mr Darby said. Future phases of the redevelopment include the construction of a youth centred recreational precinct, a public promenade and a new tennis club. The final phase focuses on the creation of a commercial precinct to ensure funding for the ongoing maintenance of the foreshore and the jetty.
The City of Busselton’s long term vision incorporates the provision of quality public spaces for the community and for tourists, alongside the preservation of the natural environment and heritage infrastructure. This commitment to major public works and sustainable engineering practices sees the City of Busselton well positioned to leap into the future.
