Libs promise funding for Jurien groyne

A Department of Transport plan to reconfigure the Jurien Bay marina with a 120m extension to the northern groyne has been promised funding by the Liberal Party if elected.

Locals have rallied for changes to the marina for more than a decade as seagrass accumulates in stagnant water, producing a rotten egg-like smell and occasionally suffocating marine life.

As it stands, the marina is dredged every two years to remove the excess seaweed and sand.

Shadow minister for regional development Steve Thomas visited Jurien Bay on Thursday to pledge a $3 million commitment should the Liberal party win the election.

“This is a project that's been talked about for many, many years with little action from successive governments,” he said.

“The problems at the marina are well established and I’m happy to announce a future Liberal government would act to address them.”

The plan was developed by the Department of Transport last year after modelling showed reconfiguring the harbour entrance with the additional groyne would prevent seagrass accumulation.

However, no funding has been made available .

At the time, Department of Transport maritime projects manager James Holder said modification of the groyne would prevent a “high percentage” of the current volume of seagrass entering.

Liberal candidate for Moore Darren Slyns said the funding was a key investment in Jurien Bay that would deliver both better amenity and economic stimulus.

“The marina is a critical piece of local infrastructure that has been beset with environmental, odour and safety issues, and I am glad to see the Liberal Party commit to making it happen,” he said.

“That funding is now committed and I will be looking forward to helping deliver this great outcome for Jurien Bay and the Mid-West.”