The City of Bunbury is moving ahead with plans for a new water playground to be situated close to the CBD.
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan confirmed negotiations between the city and Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore, located across from Koombana Bay, were continuing.
He said the caravan park’s 50-year lease and the disposal of Lot 1881, Koombana Drive also had to be considered during the negotiations.
“We have a very good idea about it, it will probably be with the council towards the end of October or early November for a decision,” he said.
“We’re very close. Chief executive officer Mal Osborne has also advised me that negotiations with Discovery Parks have almost been completed.
“There’s a meeting of minds and the Discovery Parks chief executive will probably come here and give the council members a briefing.
“From there, the officers will put the recommendations through.”
Part of the $1m that we have will be spent on public toilets, parking etc. because we expect we will have a lot of people visiting that area.
- City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan
The water playground idea has been on the table since 2011, with the City of Bunbury reviewing several plans over that time.
While devising the plans, the city took suggestions from community members into account.
Earlier this year, the city announced $1 million had been set aside for the project.
Plans for the water playground have, to date, cost $440,000.
Mr Brennan confirmed the water playground would be situated close to the Bunbury Power Boat Club and Leschenault Inlet.
“Part of the $1m that we have will be spent on public toilets, parking etc. because we expect we will have a lot of people visiting that area.
“It’s within easy walking distance of Koombana Bay.
“There’s quite a bit parking there now, but we will build more parking there.”
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Mark Seaward said a water playground would make for a positive addition to the area.
“From what I’ve seen of water playgrounds in Perth, I think it would attract a lot of families and we want to bring more families back into the CBD,” he said.
“It would become part of the surrounds and would help to bring people into the CBD, so we’re highly supportive of the proposal.”
Discovery Parks was unable to provide a response in time for publication.
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