A must visit area of Bunbury is its Marlston Waterfront. Construction of seawalls, pathways and parks, together with white sandy beaches and spectacular views of Koombana Bay, has resulted in a vibrant precinct of mixed retail, commercial offices and residential apartments.
And all this is right on the doorstep of the CBD.
Council believes that the areas at each end of the Marlston Waterfront have the potential for further development. It is also aware that projects such as this, where public land and waterfront areas are involved, can be contentious and will sttract significant public interest.
In 2007 Council’s City Vision included a statement on the development of this precinct. It stated that developing closer links between the CBD and adjoining waters, namely Leschenault Inlet and Koombana Bay, would deliver significant tourism and recreational benefits.
With protection of the estuarine environment a priority, it resolved that any civic, cultural and commercial development must be low impact and high quality in an open and enhanced setting to benefit the whole community.
“The State Government’s Statutory Region Scheme means that Council needs to obtain amendments to the scheme to commence Stage 1 of this project,” said Geoff Klem, Council’s Executive Manager City Development.
He said that Council believes that projects such as this will be the catalyst for the City’s next major development boom.
“As the State’s second city we have the infrastructure, population growth and economic diversity that makes Bunbury a great place to live and work,” Geoff Klem said.
“We have massive industrial development taking place in our hinterland. We are also an alternative to the Perth sprawl for retirees and young families with our quality amenities and high level of services.”
With $45 million included in the State Government’s Forward Estimates for this project, Councils is keen to have the planning issues resolved for the first stage of this project by the end
of this year.
