16 WATERFRONT


Bunbury: a vision becoming a reality


I


n early 2014, people in the Western Australian port city of Bunbury, which is located 150 km South of the state capital


Perth, were invited to have their say on a concept plan for enhancing Bunbury’s waterfront infrastructure. A total of 52 submissions were received and the overall positive response from the public meant that further planning was carried out.


As the planning process moved


forward, there were further opportunities for residents to influence the outcome of the project. In 2015, people were asked how they would like to see Casuarina boat harbour developed in the future and this year, they were given the opportunity to have their say on a vision for the future development of the Outer Harbour,


Casuarina Harbour and Koombana Bay.


Most recently, people were asked


to provide their feedback on the vision for transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront that was unveiled in October, 2015. About 170 responses were received, with 95% of respondents indicating approval for the overall idea for breathing new life into the city’s waterfront. A vision for transforming the


waterfront of Bunbury in Western Australia is now on its way to becoming a reality. After years of planning and consultation, funding has been secured for two stages of the project. The State Government has


made the following allocations of ‘Royalties for Regions’ money: Stage 1 – A$24.9 million towards revitalising Koombana Bay and


MARINA ASIA-PACIFIC • NOVEMBER 2016


redeveloping the Dolphin Discovery Centre; and Stage 2 – A$20.73 million towards enhancing and integrating two key locations (Casuarina Drive, including BP Beach and the foreshore, and Jetty Road causeway). The vision for the third stage


involves creating a marina and marine industry facilities at Casuarina Boat Harbour. The artist’s impression


reproduced here paints a picture of a waterfront filled with vibrant activity and buoyed by a lively marina filled with cafes and shops, greatly enhanced public open space and amenity, and a working harbour – all connected back to the city centre.


It is expected to help Bunbury


build on its strengths, so it can reach its potential as a thriving


recreational, tourism and marine hub. When completed, the project will offer: • A high quality, major waterfront destination for locals and visitors.


• Retail and commercial outlets, and residential and short-stay accommodation.


• Landscaped community spaces. • A thriving marine precinct that will accommodate local boating needs.


• The redevelopment of the Dolphin Discovery Centre into an iconic tourist destination with state-of- the-art facilities.


• The creation of hundreds of jobs through retail and marine ventures that will be established along the waterfront. South West Development Commission info@swdc.wa.gov.au www.swdc.wa.gov.au


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