- $2.3 million road to become the main entrance to new Ocean Reef Marina now open
- Extension creates better access for existing and future boat harbour users
- 40 local jobs created during construction
A $2.3 million extension to Hodges Drive that will eventually become the main entrance to the new Ocean Reef Marina has been officially opened.
In the initial stage of building the world class marina, the DevelopmentWA led project saw the creation of a 380m dual carriageway extension to the existing Hodges Drive.
The carriageway was completed in eight months and created 40 new local jobs.
It will allow Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club, Marine Rescue Whitfords and Joondalup City RSL members as well as other visitors and boat harbour users to travel within the area more easily.
Boat Harbour Quays, the original road leading into the harbour, has also been realigned providing a new access close to the existing boat ramps and trailer parking area.
Extensive quality landscaping has been undertaken, while protecting the Bush Forever sites adjacent to the road extension remains a high priority with retaining walls installed to prevent erosion of the natural bushland.
Over the next 18 months, work on the breakwaters will see the placement of 950,000 tonnes of locally sourced limestone and granite.
Ocean Reef Marina will include Perth's first coastal pool and a beach within the protection of the marina, as well as capacity for 550 boat pens, 200 boat stackers, boat ramps and trailer parking.
More than 1,000 residential dwellings are also planned for the marina precinct across a range of housing types, including single residential home-sites, apartments and mixed-use developments.
Comments attributed to Lands Minister Tony Buti:
"The Hodges Drive extension has generated 40 local jobs for Western Australians.
"At least 8,600 local jobs are being created during the marina's construction and beyond, and this important development will provide a $3 billion injection into the economy.
"This important access road will eventually provide a grand entry statement, but for now it will ensure safe and convenient access to the boat harbour.
"It will also reduce contact with construction vehicles and heavy machinery involved in the delivery of this landmark project."
Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"The opening of the new road marks another important milestone for this transformational project, just weeks after work began on the marina's breakwaters.
"Cyclists and pedestrians have been well catered for in the development, with dedicated pedestrian footpaths and lighting installed along the new roads that will become the main entry statement for the marina.
"The Ocean Reef Marina, upon completion, will have Perth's first coastal pool and will create a new major tourism drawcard for Perth's northern suburbs."