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.
'Contamination found' - October 6, 2021
Bunbury Harvey Regional Council given an Environmental Protection Notice.
As accounted in October, more than 100 properties in Leschenault would be investigated after per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, were detected leaching into the groundwater at the Stanley Road Waste Management Facility.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website showed it received an auditor's report on August 10, confirming that the waste facility had per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances in the groundwater.
'No answers on homeless relocation' - October 6, 2021
Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell emptied as city prepared for upcoming events.
There was a lack of answers as to where the homeless people from the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell had gone after the City of Bunbury issued a move on notice in early October.
In a media statement released by the city, acting chief executive officer Gary Barbour confirmed the shell had been closed on Thursday, September 30 for maintenance and upgrades prior to upcoming events.
'Bunbury school students strike for climate change action' - October 20, 2021
WA school students striked for climate change on October 15.
While it was a small crowd, the message was clear when school students striked for action against climate change on October 15.
Margaret River, Bunbury and Perth students were part of a nation wide effort to demand the Australian government climate action.
'Mosquito havoc continues' - October 20, 2021
Shire of Capel residents demanded better mosquito management at special electors meeting.
JADED Capel and Stratham residents aired their frustrations over "chronic" mosquito problems at a special electors meeting on October 14.
About 50 residents joined Shire of Capel Mosquito Management officer Naomi Milner and the Department of Health, South West scientific officer Jay Nicholson to discuss management going forward.
'Councilors sworn in' - October 20, 2021
2021 greater Bunbury local government election results.
The 2021 City of Bunbury, local government elections saw the City welcome a new mayor and six councillor spots filled.
With a total of 32 per cent of votes returned for the 2021 election, councillor Jaysen De San Miguel was voted in as Bunbury's new mayor with 19.87 per cent of the vote, just 103 votes more than candidate Amanda Yip.
'Shop sets record straight' - October 20, 2021
The Forbidden Fruit denied being part of Facebook group that promotes 'medical freedom and human rights' in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.
The owners of Bunbury's last independent fruit and vegetable shop said they were worried about the impact on their business after they were linked to an anti-vax group.
The Forbidden Fruit owners Phil and Kym Kent denied being part of a Facebook group that claimed to 'support medical freedom and human rights' in relation to vaccinations and the COVID-19 pandemic.
'Call for city to update cat laws' - October 27, 2021
Calls to protect endangered wildlife by updating cat laws.
There were calls for the City of Bunbury to update its local cat laws to protect wildlife in October.
Withers resident Jodi Larke in May called for changes that reflect laws implemented in Manjimup earlier this year.
'$50million hotel proposed' - October 27, 2021
City of Bunbury entered land deal to develop Lot 330 Ocean Drive into multi-storey hotel.
A PROMINENT piece of beachside land was planned to be developed into a multi-storey hotel in October.
Barnes Capital would invest $50 million to turn Lot 330 Ocean Drive in Bunbury into a hotel featuring a mix of food, beverage and retail options.