Case Study
Boorloo Bridge for the Causeway Link Alliance
Location
Connecting Victoria Park, Heirisson Island and Perth CBD at Point Fraser)
Client
Causeway Link Alliance – Civmec Construction and Engineering, WSP, Seymour Whyte and Main Roads WA
Description
361 Degrees was engaged to lead the stakeholder and community engagement for the Boorloo Bridge project, which involved the design and construction of two cable-stayed pedestrian and cyclist bridges spanning the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) in Perth. These bridges establish a landmark active transport connection between East Perth and Victoria Park via Matagarup (Heirisson Island), a location of unique cultural and historic significance to Noongar people. Both bridges opened in December 2024 and were named Boorloo Bridge in honour of the Noongar (Traditional Owners) name for Perth.
Embedded within the Alliance Management Team from the tender stage, 361 Degrees facilitated the Matagarup Elders Group (MEG), an advisory group comprising 18 Noongar Elders that was instrumental in influencing how the bridges’ innovative design integrated into the existing landscape and urban design, whilst acknowledging the spiritual and cultural importance of the Swan River to Perth’s First Nations peoples. Our responsibilities expanded as the project progressed to include coordinating public art and content design for the bridges’ innovative feature lighting.
Additionally, we coordinated the Alliance Stakeholder Reference Group, comprising two local governments and state government agencies, fostering integral collaboration to achieve project objectives.
Project Outcomes
Through leading and facilitating consultation with the MEG, using yarning circles and walking on Country, the three-year engagement process empowered the Elders to share site-specific stories and develop the project’s cultural narrative. The project’s visionary and collaborative approach to planning on Country, developed between the Alliance and the MEG significantly influenced design strategies including public art, bridges’ architecture, landscape design, signage and wayfinding, lighting, nomenclature and dedicated event spaces.
Supporting construction, the MEG informed the development of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan, with members and nominated representatives serving an integral role as Cultural Monitors, as well as advising on other cultural protocols.
An independent evaluation of the Alliance’s engagement performance at the conclusion of design and practical completion demonstrated best practice in achieving a high quality outcome, exemplifying IAP2’s core values as well as the highest stakeholder engagement credits for the Industry Sustainability Council. In November 2024, the Alliance was recognised by the Planning Institute of WA, for Planning with Country in their Excellence in Planning Awards. Infrastructure WA also acknowledged the project as a benchmark example for empowering Aboriginal communities through infrastructure planning, design and delivery.
Boorloo Bridge has evolved beyond a transport planning solution. It is a cultural icon for Perth, presenting an opportunity to showcase Whadjuk Noongar culture to the world, and supporting and promoting reconciliation in Western Australia.
