City of Bunbury offer further explanation on height of Koombana Bay footbridge decision

A small group of boat owners attended Tuesday night’s City of Bunbury council meeting in a last ditch bid to put a late motion to council to scrap the height decision made 12 months ago.

Mayor Gary Brennan explained to the Mail on Wednesday that legislation prohibits the council from rescinding the decision made a year ago. 

“There is a piece of law governing local governments that says once a council decision is enacted, it cannot be rescinded,” Mayor Brennan said. 

“In the same way you can not revoke building approval for a new home after it has been granted and construction has started.” 

Mr Brennan said it was worth noting the City would be obligated to pay a weekly penalty of around $30,000 for any delay the City imposes on the company who’s got the contract to build the bridge, which is nearly completed. ​

In June 2016, council voted nine to one in favour of an executive recommendation to leave the Koombana Bay footbridge at its current height. 

A report prepared by manager of assets and projects James Shepherd and director of works and services Gavin Harris noted council formed a working party in 2014 to identify community requirements for the upgraded footbridge. 

The group recommended the bridge not be raised and noted that if it was raised, it would create potential conflict between a number of the City’s key priority area objectives as outlined in the strategic community plan. 

Among the problems with raising the height of the bridge were environmental concerns for WA’s southernmost mangrove community and bird species listed in the Japan-Australia and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. The inlet is also known to support blue swimmer crabs and be frequented by bottlenose dolphins. 

Consultation was also conducted with the primary users and stakeholders of the Inlet, which highlighted a difference of opinion. 

Bunbury Rowing Club president Nola Cigulev and Forza Dragonboat Club assistant manager Brad Brooksby both noted the very protected waterways of Leschenault Inlet allow their members to safely enjoy their chosen sport. 

Bunbury Yacht Club commodore Noel Seymour, who has since retired from the role, indicated his group were in favour of raising the height of the bridge to allow increased boat access while Bunbury Power Boat Club president Harley Kemp indicated the club would be unaffected by the decision as they would be relocating during the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project. 

The waterfront project includes provisions for 340 boat pens in Casuarina Harbour, finger wharves, boat lifting and storage facilities, maintenance facilities, slipways and a refueling station complemented by food and beverage facilities. 

Mayor Brennan also firmly put to bed any rumours that council has a long-term agenda to stop power boats from accessing the Inlet. 

“There’s no attempt at all by the City council to do that – the council on behalf of the community upgraded the Stirling Street boat ramp recently and we have invested $800,000 in the next budget for foreshore marine wall and jetty repairs,” he said. 

“We want people to continue to use their boats to get out and enjoy the fishing and other recreational activities that are on offer.”