Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Bunbury Waterfront development?

The Bunbury Waterfront development plans to transform the waterfront through the creation of four precincts – Eastside, Bayside, Oceanside and Harbourside.

It will create an enhanced public waterfront, walkways and cycleways, a new marina and improved boating facilities, a range of retail outlets, restaurants and cafes, tourist accommodation, and office and residential space.

Q: Why is the area being developed?

Bunbury Waterfront will inject new life into the city and reconnect the CBD with the coast.

Q: Who is involved in the project?

The project is managed by the State Government’s property developer LandCorp.

Q: How much will it cost and how will this project be paid for?

The project will be underwritten by the State Government but it is expected land sales should make the project would be cash neutral.

Q: Will public access to the area be restricted?

Once construction is completed, there will be no restriction to public access to foreshore areas. Access to, and enjoyment of, the waterfront by the public will be significantly improved as a result of the proposed foreshore upgrades, landscaping and provision of community facilities.

A study has been commissioned to assess the impact of the development on existing road infrastructure, and the impact and management of anticipated traffic generated by the development. This will consider greater flows of traffic into and out of Bunbury, and not just specific project sites.

A management plan will be developed to address traffic flow and heavy vehicles during the civil works and residential construction stages.

Q: What sort of commercial businesses will be accommodated?

It is envisaged that residential and commercial space will be available. This includes apartments, short-stay accommodation, offices, retail, restaurants, cafes and bars, and entertainment and tourism options that will vary in accordance with market demand.

Q: What benefits will Bunbury and the surrounding region gain from the development?

The new development will be a place for both visitors and residents to celebrate, recreate, and enjoy, and a place to play and live. Access to the foreshore will improve, public beaches and facilities will be enhanced, business opportunities will increase and Bunbury will be promoted as a world-class destination.

It is estimated that the project will attract $3 billion in investment for the city over the next 30 years and that 3,000 jobs will be generated during the building phase, with 7,400 jobs created in the longer-term.

Some roads will be upgraded as part of the development and high quality public open spaces created.

Q: How long will the development take?

Civil works are expected to start late in 2008 or early 2009 for the Eastside precinct – subject to statutory planning and environmental approvals.

Q: Has the environmental impact of the project been assessed?

The environmental impact of the project will be assessed as part of the statutory approvals process.

Q: Has the community been consulted on the development?

The State Government has sought input from local residents, the business community and other stakeholders on the Bunbury Waterfront project – initially referred to as the Bunbury Outer Harbour plan – in various forms since 2004.

A new concept plan was shown to the community at an open-day in Bunbury on 18 November 2007. The public comment period regarding the proposed plans for the Eastside Precinct closed on August 5, 2008. Submissions will now be considered by the City of Bunbury.

LandCorp will also soon announce the makeup of a Community Reference Group, which will be called on throughout the planning stages of this important project to attend meetings, put forward the community's views, and provide informed feedback to the public.

Q: How can I record my thoughts on the project?

LandCorp encourages you to view the structure plan for the first stage of the project, the Eastside Precinct, at the City of Bunbury website or at this website. Vital public forums, community open days and public consultations have already been held, and will continue over the duration of the project.

For further information call LandCorp's South West Information Line on 1300 730 594 for the cost of a local call.