Project History

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.

This is just one step in an extensive period of community engagement.

In 2004 the State Government took the development of the Bunbury Outer Harbour to the community.

It focused on:

Creating a vision for a world-class destination for the local community and tourists
Creating new community recreation opportunities, including access to prime waterfront land
Enhancing marine and boating facilities through a potential co-location of some clubs
Delivering a balance between community facilities and development.

In November 2006, the Premier and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure visited Bunbury to give the green light to the $45 million first stage of the expanded and re-branded Bunbury Waterfront development.

A new concept plan was shown to the community at an information-based open day held in November 2007.

The information day gave more than 450 people the opportunity to discuss the concept plan with expert members of the project team.

The feedback received provided encouraging results for the project and is part of the information-gathering by the project team to further guide project planning.

Eighty-four per cent of respondents supported the vision for an active waterfront development. Sixty-two per cent agreed with the overall concept plan for the Eastside precinct.

Seventy-one per cent were in favour of a tourist accommodation site on Koombana Bay while 90 per cent supported the upgrade of Koombana beach and foreshore including parking, landscaping and public facilities.

The Bunbury Waterfront will deliver significant environmental, community and economic benefits. It will re-connect the community with the coast, linking the town centre with the water.

Construction of the first stage – the Eastside Precinct – is expected to commence as soon as statutory planning and environmental approvals have been achieved.