Project Overview
Essential maintenance work will ensure the Dawesville breakwater is safe and the Dawesville channel remains navigable.
The breakwater is more than 30 years old and requires routine maintenance to reinstate the breakwater to its original dimensions. No changes are being made to the breakwater’s footprint, alignment, rock slope, or overall geometry.
Why the works are needed
- Damage or displacement of the breakwater’s outer armour rocks can cause rapid deterioration if not repaired.
- Ongoing deterioration can lead to internal structural damage, affecting navigational safety in the channel and wave reflection dynamics.
- Timely maintenance ensures the long‑term safety, functionality and resilience of this important coastal asset.
Protecting the Wedge surf break
The Department’s coastal engineers have assessed the coastal processes at Dawesville, including the role of the breakwater’s existing geometry, alignment, and rock slope in generating the reflective wave conditions that create the Wedge surf break. In recognition of these factors:
- The works are confined strictly to maintenance activities.
- The breakwater will be reinstated to its original and current design dimensions.
By maintaining the existing structure geometry, the reflective wave dynamics that generate the Wedge surf break will be preserved.
Fairy Terns
A colony of endangered Fairy Terns nest on Pyramids Beach adjacent to the construction site and a range of measures to minimise disturbance to the birds are in place:
- All contractors are briefed on bird‑protection requirements before starting work.
- No rocks or materials are placed near the nesting beach.
- Daily checks are carried out before work begins to identify any nesting birds, fledglings, or wandering chicks.
- All site staff remain alert for birds on the ground during works and adjust activities if needed.
- Any interactions with birds are reported to the site supervisor and formally recorded.
- Report any significant disturbance to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
These measures help ensure construction is carried out responsibly while protecting the bird colony.
Scope of works
The project includes:
- Repair and reinstatement of damaged or displaced outer armour rock.
- Maintenance works to restore the breakwater to its original design condition.
The project does not include:
- Changes to the breakwater alignment or footprint.
- Modifications to the rock slope or overall structure geometry.
- Design changes intended to alter wave reflection.
Project status
The Dawesville Breakwater maintenance works are currently underway and scheduled for completion in April.
Further information
For further information about the Dawesville Breakwater Refurbishment Project, please contact breakwaters@transport.wa.gov.au