Operation of Bunbury Storm Surge Barrier and Security of Jetty Road Facility Casuarina Boat Harbour

The Bunbury Storm Surge Barrier is located at the western end of the Leschenault Inlet. The barrier was constructed in 1980 following flooding of Bunbury townsite during cyclone Alby in 1978. The Barrier is operated during periods of extreme high ocean water levels, isolating Leschenault Inlet from the Indian Ocean, with the aim of preventing ocean flooding of low-lying areas of Bunbury.

Whilst the Storm Surge Barrier has been designed to provide protection of Bunbury against ocean flooding, it is integrally linked to the drainage of Bunbury CBD. Careful consideration must be given to extended closure of the Barrier due to the potential for backing up of the CBD drainage system and threat of flooding from rainfall runoff.

The Department of Transport (DoT) has a requirement for the Operation of the Bunbury Storm Surge Barrier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

DoT is responsible for the management of the Jetty Road causeway and its associated infrastructure, including the public ablution facility and heritage Arrol crane (which is non-operational, but heritage listed and therefore needs to be protected). This is located close to the Barrier.

DoT has requirement for daily patrol the Jetty Road Facility including the locking and unlocking of the public ablution facility and patrol to check for potential risks to the infrastructure.