Work starts on Beadon Creek breakwater upgrade

Work has now started on upgrading the breakwater at the entrance to Beadon Creek to enhance Onslow's capacity to service the offshore oil and gas industry off the Pilbara coast.

The State Government, jointly with the Onslow Marine Supply Base (OMSB), recently awarded WA-based company Ertech a $4.4 million contract for urgent upgrades to the breakwater at Beadon Creek.

This work will complement current work deepening and extending the access channel to the facility to increase capacity to berth offshore marine supply and service vessels.

The breakwater, first constructed more than 50 years ago to train and maintain the natural entrance to the creek and navigation channel, will be rebuilt using existing and additional rock (approximately 20,000 tonnes) above and below the waterline where required.

The work will see the existing 730 metre breakwater increase in height by up to two metres in some areas, ahead of anticipated completion later this year.

Up to 15 local jobs are expected to be created during the upgrade, boosting the Onslow economy. The State Government will provide $2.75 million and the OMSB $1.65 million in funding for the project.

For more information about the upgrade, visit http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/beadoncreek

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"A key focus of the McGowan Government is job creation and these sorts of projects help put Onslow on the map as a key support facility for the offshore oil and gas industry.

"In the long term the $4.4 million contract will underpin the future of the facility as a key marine hub, while in the short term it will create up to 15 local employment opportunities and a financial boost for the Onslow economy."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"As manager of the Onslow (Beadon Creek) Maritime Facility, the Department of Transport is working collaboratively with the private sector, through the OMSB, to deliver significant improvements.

"These improvements will further boost activities associated with the offshore marine service industry in the Pilbara. It's a fantastic outcome that local contractors are being engaged and local jobs being created as a result.

"The successful partnership will also benefit fishing and charter vessels and recreational craft using the facility."

Minister's office - 6552 5500

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