Artificial reef delayed by 'unsuitable' weather

Poor weather conditions have delayed the installation of 30 concrete modules which will form an artificial reef off the coast of Bunbury.

The artificial reef modules, which are expected to boost fish stocks off the Bunbury and Dunsborough coasts and provide better opportunities for recreational fishers, were delivered to Bunbury port last week.

Haejoo executive director Ryan Paik said none of the modules had been installed off Bunbury yet due to unsuitable weather conditions.

He said it was unlikely the installation would take place in the next week, but swell and wind conditions would continue to be monitored.

Last week the Department of Transport issued a notice to mariners warning of navigational hazards during the installation of the reef, advising boat users to keep well clear of all installation activities.

Thirty modules were installed using commercial vessels and barges off the Dunsborough coast last week and will be finalised this week.

MJB Industries operations manager Steve Hicks said a continuous stream of four semitrailers delivered the massive concrete structures to the port two or three at a time across two days.

MJB Industries production manager Kim Hovey said the company’s involvement with the project had ended once the modules were delivered to Bunbury Port.

He said the entire project had gone to schedule without any difficulties and had resulted in a strong relationship forming between MJB Industries and Haejoo.

“Dealing with Haejoo has been very easy for MJB Industries. Communication has been open and flowing freely between the two companies,” Mr Hovey said.

“We find them to be very good at what they do.”

The tender for the $1.8 million project was awarded to New South Wales company Haejoo Pty Ltd late last year, with Australind-based companies MJB Industries and Australind Premix contracted to construct the 60 reef modules.