The City of Bunbury has kicked off a new campaign to liven up the area and fill open spaces ahead of Summer.
They have invited business owners, activity operators and community members to provide ideas for enlivening the CBD’s open areas, tourist hotspots, and waterfront locations.
Specifically, they hope to find options to help reinvigorate Koombana Foreshore, the Marlston waterfront and the CBD.
Bunbury Deputy Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the plan would bring socially, culturally and economically beneficial opportunities to the city.
“Bunbury is a wonderful place to live and we are excited to hear from the community what else can be done at our public spaces to make Bunbury even better,” he said.
“Staff will waive application fees for interest received through this process, and we’re looking to reduce red tape where we can.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch hoped the plan would bring more people into town.
"We do have a lot of open space that is underutilised, we've got all these great events happening and there are opportunities for people to utilise the spaces on a pop-up type basis - put a bit of activity into it," he said.
"The more that people see activity, the more people feel engaged and interested in what's happening.
"You can have all sorts of pop-up activities that will attract people’s interest and help to build a sense of community. Full marks to the council for that idea."
Bunbury-Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Mark Seaward said the chamber backed the city’s latest initiative.
He added it would complement the chamber’s own CBD activation efforts.
Bunbury events manager Jo O’Dea said it would benefit the city in the short and long term.
She said parks, laneways, and shopfronts could be utilised to bring even more life to the city.
“I have always encouraged the activation of the CBD and open spaces, we’ve got some amazing little pockets in our town and we need people to come up with some creative ideas on how to use them,” she said.
“The events just need to be about providing activities that can engage people and bring them into town.”
Mr Miguel said the plan was just one of the city’s current operations, with staff working on the Civic and Cultural Plan as well as linkages between destinations.
Submit your ideas to bunbury.wa.gov.au/Pages/REGISTRATION-OF-INTEREST-ACTIVATION-OF-PUBLIC-OPEN-SPACES.aspx
What do you think? Email editor.bunburymail@fairfaxmedia.com.au
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