$18m hub won't wreck sunken ships: Govt

The State Government has hired a contractor to ensure construction of the new $18 million Department of Parks and Wildlife headquarters in Bunbury does not disturb historic shipwrecks buried in beach sand.

The Government plans to build DPaW's proposed WA headquarters on vacant land on Koombana Drive, opposite the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

The site is near a group of historic shipwrecks, protected by Federal law and recorded by the WA Maritime Museum, located in an area of Koombana Bay known as "shipwreck cove".

Eastern States-based Ultramag Geophysics worker Philip McClelland used a magnetometer to scan the site at the weekend.

A DPaW spokeswoman said site investigations, including soil testing, were the necessary first steps in the development.

"This due diligence testing process will allow Parks and Wildlife to proceed to the next steps, which will include site planning, building designs and landscape plans," she said.

"The historic shipwrecks in the area will complement the development and be incorporated into future planning.

"Parks and Wildlife is working closely with the WA Maritime Museum and the City of Bunbury to ensure investigation works respect cultural heritage values of the area.

"This site presents many opportunities to design the development to link in and complement the existing natural features including the Leschenault Inlet.

"It is envisaged that the development will include walkways, landscaping, environmental signage and interpretation - so the facility will be a visitor destination, not just an office complex."

Earlier this year, Premier Colin Barnett and Environment Minister Albert Jacob announced the new development, amending a promise to build the State's new DPaW headquarters at Turkey Point.

Mr Barnett said the Bunbury site would be highly visible for people visiting the South West and would boost business and tourism.

He said the change of location was based on advice from Bunbury MLA John Castrilli and Mayor Gary Brennan to consider Koombana Drive.