Over the New Year's break, The Bunbury Mail will be taking a look back at the year that was 2021.
Our annual 'Year in Review' will recount the biggest stories from each of the past 12 months.
'Fight continues for BORR' - September 1, 2021
The Shire of Capel council continued to push an alternative route for the southern section of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road at its latest meeting on August 25.
Shire president Michael Southwell moved a motion asking the chief executive officer to prepare a letter which would be sent transport minister Rita Saffioti, once again outlining the council opposition to the route.
'Bunbury farmers market expands' - September 1, 2021
The Bunbury Farmers Market secured a site in Vasse Village in September to expand their South West operations.
Set to replicate the hugely successful Bunbury store, the same café, fresh produce and ready made meal lines that shoppers know and love would be offered at the new Vasse premises.
'Council gives green light on new housing' - September 8, 2021
Bunbury council approved development of new, short term youth accommodation, run by Accordwest.
The City of Bunbury council approved the development of new, short term accommodation that would see the continued support of vulnerable youth within the region.
As approved at the Ordinary Meeting of the Council on August 31, housing provider Accordwest would operate housing for a maximum of ten occupants at Lot 26, Forrest Avenue in South Bunbury.
'State budget overview' - September 15, 2021
See how the South West faired in the 2021-2022 state budget.
The 2021-22 WA state budget was fully released on Thursday September 9 and boasted a $5.6 billion surplus and $9.1 billion investment in regional infrastructure.
Highlights for the South West included:
- Delivery of the $200.1 million Bunbury Hospital redevelopment;
- A share in $2 million to support the work of regional renal support teams;
- Bunbury's Acute Psychiatric Unit will share in $1.7 million for upgrades
- $9.5 million towards the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre at Busselton Jetty to build a world class tourism attraction
- An additional $2 million into the development of the South West Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub
'Closed jetty needs to be reopened' - September 22, 2021
Residents called for Australind jetty to be re-opened.
Resident Mick Crosby called for more to be done to get the jetty in Australind back open to the public in September.
The jetty, which is located off Old Coast Road before the Australind townsite, had been closed to the public since February 2021 with no indication of when it will re-open.
'New vision for CBD entry' - September 29, 2021
City of Bunbury called for comment on CBD entry design.
As part of the City of Bunbury's City Centre Action Plan new concept designs were released for changes to Haley Street, Prinsep Street and Carmody Place.
The City Centre Action Plan was published in 2020 and had 11 objectives which fell under four values of connected, colourful, capable and confident.