The successful transformation of Hillarys Boat Harbour into a greener, more family friendly place to visit, is continuing.

Harbour Manager, the Department of Transport, is spending $2.6 million to revitalise one of the busiest and most popular areas of the harbour: the area south of the Centre Groyne to the Oasis.

Department Acting Manager of Coastal Facilities Donna West said the circular centre groyne area would be rebuilt to improve links to the water and the adjacent southern grassed area would be upgraded to provide shaded picnic areas, more seating, grassed terraces, shower facilities and better access to the beach.

"The work will duplicate the popular improvements already completed north of the groyne and finish the landscaping upgrades planned as part of the $9 million enhancement program at the harbour," Ms West said.  

“This third and final stage of landscaping work is also designed to provide improved access and better security with the construction of dedicated pathways linking public transport access points to attractions and the beach and the introduction of high quality lighting and CCTV.

“Closer to the Oasis the eastern entry point will be reinforced with improved pedestrian access.

“The aim is to create a more welcoming environment for families to relax and enjoy themselves and we are now well on our way to achieving this goal.” 

Ms West said the Perth based company, Environmental Industries, had successfully tendered to undertake the work, with the project now well underway.

"The project has seen as many as 50 tradespeople employed through local sub-contactors, some based in the City of Joondalup," Ms West said.

Ms West said a new series of 44 pens and a floating pontoon had also been recently completed at the harbour.

"The new pen system will provide some pens on a five year licence basis and others will be reserved as temporary moorings for vessels needing relocation when D Jetty is replaced and then allow for a rolling program of pen replacement over the next few years throughout the harbour," Ms West  said.

"In addition, the new universal access pontoon built adjacent to the existing boat ramps, provides people with safer access to vessels after launching. Tide variations can make it difficult for people boarding vessels from the finger jetties extending from the ramps.

"The pontoon has been built to universal access standards to ensure people with a disability, the elderly or those with young children can safely board a vessel at Hillarys."

Ms West said the harbour enhancement program had resulted in a steady stream of improvements at the facility including an upgrade to the southern car park, the extension of the western breakwater, the construction of the northern access path and the replacement of E-Jetty, family friendly landscaping of the northern beach area and construction and refurbishment of public toilets.

 “The success of the work to date has been significantly assisted by the cooperation of harbour users and operators," Ms West said.

"It is envisaged that the final stage of the landscaping improvements will be completed by October and there will be limited interruption to the operations at the harbour." 

For more details about the Hillarys Boat Harbour Enhancement Program Precinct Upgrade Project Stage 3 people can visit the Department’s website: www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the Harbour Manager on (08) 9448 7544.

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