The City of Bunbury has moved closer to making the proposed $1.7 million water splash park a reality.
Between November and the start of December, community members were able to express their views on the project.
The consultation period included information sessions hosted by the city and Discovery Holiday Parks.
Submissions received from the public consultation period were then provided to council.
In the 16 submissions received, concerns were raised over concept plans for the splash park, traffic management, the holiday park’s extension, and resident relocations.
At the council meeting on December 11, resident Geoffrey Calkin expressed his concerns over the proposed relocation of two park homes.
Council voted in favour of entering into a sale and development agreement with Discovery Holiday Parks over Lot 1881, Koombana Drive.
The city will enter into a long-term lease over Lot 752, Koombana Drive, and into a long-term lease over a portion of Lot 3002, Lyons Cove.
The water splash park’s construction is expected to begin in April, due for completion by Summer 2019/2020.
A development application will be submitted to the city once the contract is signed by both parties.
Discovery Holiday Parks chief operation officer Michaela Webster was thrilled with the agreement.
“We’re pleased to be signing a new 50-year lease with council, which will enable us to create this exciting new splash park and expand our accommodation offering,” she said.
Allocating $700,000 to the park project, the city will also upgrade the existing Sykes Foreshore playground and public open space.
“It’s very satisfying, this project has probably been on the cards for close to four years,” City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said.
“Discovery Holiday Parks is probably going to be spending between $15-20m on the water splash park, works to improve the current caravan park, works to put in new short-term apartments, and other improvements to Lot 1881.
“It’s another great project for our city. Certainly, once we’ve got more facilities then more tourists will be able to be catered for.
“Having more facilities means more people will be able to enjoy Koombana Bay and our city. That means more dollars being spent and more visitors coming.”
Mr Brennan said Discovery Holiday Parks would address future concerns raised by residents.
“We have an understanding with Discovery Parks that they will work with their tenants and try to reach an agreement on what will happen to them,” he said.
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