Breakwater upgrade boost for Onslow

A State Government-led upgrade to the breakwater at Beadon Creek in Onslow has been completed on budget and one month ahead of schedule.

The 730m breakwater, built more than 50 years ago, has been refurbished above and below the waterline, with about 25,000 tonnes of rock added to the structure.

In April, WA-based company Ertech was contracted to rebuild the ageing breakwater, while the Onslow Marine Support Base continued a dredging program to increase the width and depth of the existing navigation channel to allow berthing of larger offshore marine supply and service vessels.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the completion of the breakwater provided the necessary infrastructure for Onslow to be a key marine hub along the WA coast.

“Working collaboratively with the private sector in OMSB, the Department of Transport has been able to deliver improvements and protection to the new channel,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Those improvements will not only boost activities associated with the offshore marine service industry in the Pilbara but also benefit fishing and charter vessels and recreational craft using the facility.”

The breakwater upgrade was jointly funded, with the Department of Transport providing $2.75 million and OMSB $1.65 million.