Australian Underwater Discovery Centre

Overview

Busselton Jetty Incorporated is proposing to construct and operate an underwater observatory, the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre (AUDC) at the existing Busselton Jetty, Busselton, south-west Australia. 

The proposal includes the towing of the pre-fabricated AUDC by vessel approximately 100 nautical miles, underwater debris removal, piling activities, installation of the AUDC and installation of a pre-fabricated modular building on the jetty.   

Piling works associated with the installation of the AUDC would be undertaken during daylight hours for up to 5 weeks. 

The disturbance footprint is 0.1 ha of benthic communities and habitats within a 0.4 ha development envelope. The development envelope is located within, and adjacent to the Ngari Capes Marine Park. 

The proposal could impact on the environmental factors of marine fauna, benthic communities and habitats and social surroundings. 

Management and mitigation measures are proposed to be in place during the construction phase of this Proposal.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The EPA's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.