The town of about 10,000 would be arguably the biggest beneficiary among Greater Bunbury population centres in the coming decades.

About 350 hectares of farmland to the east of the Australind Bypass could become home to 15,000 new Eaton residents under plans being investigated by the State Government.

They would live near 30 hectares of sporting facilities, find jobs in the proposed light industrial hub and have easy access to the Bunbury bypass road which will start construction next year.

Shire of Dardanup council president Brad Day said Eaton’s momentum appeared unstoppable, even during the recent downturn in the economy.

“I think (city status) will just come naturally – it will definitely be a major centre in the area,” he said.

“The big thing about Eaton is it is the front door to the city of Bunbury and always will be.”

The Bunbury region’s population is expected to almost double from 80,000 to 150,000 by 2050.

The State Government’s plans to guide the growth of Greater Bunbury are currently out for public discussion.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said long term planning was crucial for decisions about future transport, jobs and housing.

“Thirty to 40 years may seem a long way away but it comes around pretty fast,” he said.

Mr Castrilli said he did not believe Eaton would come to challenge Bunbury for local supremacy.

“I wouldn’t say rivals, I would say complementary to each other,” he said.

Cr Day said he expected the Shire of Dardanup to remain proud of its rural and urban links.