Residents and stakeholders of Withers were able to provide feedback on a new structure plan for the suburb recently.
The Department of Communities held three engagement sessions on March 8 and 9 where people were able to see draft Local Structure Plan and architectural concept images on an improved suburb.
Information from residents along with a structure plan will feed into a Local development Plan for Withers.
The project aims to enhance safety, vibrancy and sustainability through improving social connectivity and accessibility between pedestrians and vehicles.
It will also help the development of a more diverse range of housing options while keeping natural features.
The Withers Renewal Project is led by the department in partnership with the City of Bunbury and South West Development Commission. It is also supported by the Bunbury Development Committee.
It is expected the City of Bunbury will approve the structure in mid-2019.
The community has already seen the closure of unsafe laneways in Withers to help improve the safety and amenity of the suburb.
Department of Communities Assistant Director General Commercial Operations Greg Cash said the structure plan was a framework to help shape the future of Withers.
“Once finalised, the Local Structure Plan will inform the development of a Local Development Plan. These documents are helping the community chart its own destiny," he said.
Bunbury Development Committee chair Robyn Fenech said the plan goes a long way to addressing some of the long-standing issues in the suburb.
“This plan goes a long way to addressing some of the long-standing issues in Withers in relation to connectivity and the need to activate underused spaces," she said.
“It is also a plan that preserves and maximises some of the best features of Withers, including its interesting topography, beautiful tuart trees, elevated areas and proximity to the ocean, Hay Park and transport routes.”
City of Bunbury director of planning and development services Gary Barbour said the city was looking forward to the next step in delivering development outcomes for Withers.