‘Bottle-nosy’ visitors cause disruptions

Some of Bunbury’s most popular residents are causing disruptions during major upgrades to Koombana Drive.

Despite the inquisitive bottlenose dolphins who keep venturing into the Leschenault Inlet for a look, the Bunbury City Council says it is “very happy” with the progress.

The Dolphin Discovery Centre is working with the council through a Dolphin Watch Project, which sees work stop if a dolphin comes within 200m of the project area.

Marine biologist Phil Coulthard said the number of dolphin visits varied each day and he believed there could be a link between the creatures responding to noises from machines.

Mr Coulthard said the monitoring project was a “good ethical approach” by both the council and contractors.

“Those underwater sounds can be damaging to dolphins, especially their hearing so it’s fantastic the City of Bunbury is protecting the animals,” he said.

The original completion time of the project was estimated to be November, but council engineering manager Shaun Millen said practical completion was now “set” for December 16.

The George Baxter Boardwalk has been completely removed, with the timber stored by the council for future projects and sheeting is being put in place for the new tide wall, which will prevent erosion.