Social

Congratulations to all staff and fellow Councillors in delivering the on line community forum project. I look forward to community participation and reading the comments. Special thanks to Stephanie Addison-Brown, Director of Community Customer Services and The CEO Mr Andrew Brien. Job well done :)))

As a community we need to be more appreciative and accepting of our diversity, our differing needs and differing values. Programmes, facilities and infrastructure that create opportunities for community connection and generate a strong sense of community identity are important considerations for the future.

It has been proven in the past the Sporting Clubs have attributed to great social hubs, Margaret River for example, thrive around thier Football Club! Therefor I think the developments of both Hands Oval and Kelly Park would be money well spent in regards to not only boosting Social Hubs but in the long term, ensuring youth make fitness and team sports continuosly apart of 'everyday life' and not just an extra curricular activity! Also think what redeveloping the SouthWests Home of Football would do for the asthetics in that South Bunbury area! $$$

I do endorse the comments by both Bunbury Lad and G Swanny - sense of community and social cohesion are vital. We should take full advantage of the natural beauty and surrounds of the Bunbury region to ensure that all people - young and old participate in healthy outdoor activities.

I support a water based playground for both kids and adults and more affordable accommodation for the traveling public. We need to utilize the natural resources of the surrounding Region and embrace all of our neighbors into our planning and infrastructure. I support a strong and sustainable bond with the aboriginal Nyoongar people and ask them to help us manage this great land we share.

Stay true to the vision. That is, "A uniquely Western Australian international port City linked into the global economy. Bunbury will be one of the most progressive and innovative regional Cities, enhancing its community's quality of life and promoting its heritage." That is, pull out the keywords, namely, unique, international, Port City, global economy, progressive and innovative, community quality of life and heritage and be guided by them in developing "cohesive, inclusive, educated and healthy communities". There is a saying that the most fundamental form of human stupidity is forgetting what we were trying to do in the first place. Therefore, don't lose sight of the vision and full under the influence of special interest groups.

Firstly, a mention that this forum is a great idea, as long as its moderated well, supported and listened to by councillors. This is a fantastic way to engage the community in positive talks which benefit all. Well done.

There are two issues which I would like to see addressed and think would add to the community a cultural benefit. Murray Cook mentioned below the importance of public transport and looking after the transportation situation. At the moment, the road system seems capable of supporting the current population, but I think it will get gradually worse as the population of Bunbury more…

Thank you for creating a public forum where all Bunbury residents [and those with financial etc links to the region] can have their say regarding strategies for building and strengthening all aspects of community. Some of the points I would like to mention have been discussed, some not.

* Invest in cycle paths - it would encourage more people to cycle and keep cyclists safer.

* Provide more lighting in places where walking paths are popular - such as the stretch between the Rowing Club and the Parade Hotel. Thats a scary area beside Queens Gardens at night/early morning.

* Invest more…

MESSAGE TO CITY OF BUNBURY MAYOR, COUNCILLORS AND ADMIN STAFF

HERE WE GO AGAIN.

ANOTHER SURVEY. MORE WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY.

WHAT BUNBURY NEEDS IS ACTION....ACTION....ACTION

OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS WAS SPENT BY CITY OF BUNBURY ON THE CITY VISION PROJECT NOT SO LONG AGO AND NOOOOOO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN. NOW WE ARE GOING BACK TO THE PUBLIC WITH MORE SURVEYS AND MORE QUESTIONS.

PLEAAAAAAAAAASE. CAN SOMEONE TAKE SOME STRONG LEADERSHIP AND GO BACK TO THE CITY VISION PROJECT WHERE ALL THESE QUSTIONS WERE ANSWERED BY THE COMMUNTY OF BUNBURY AND LET'S GET SOME ACTION HAPPENING.

I'm in favour of the development and promotion of local shopping precincts as opposed to the expansion of large retail shopping centres. Experience suggests that local shopping precincts are more conducive to a sense of place, give rise to a strong sense of commuinity and when near and accessible to community infrastructure including community centres, parks and recreation facilities, they increase social interaction and act as neighbourhood social hubs in much the same as village centres.

Encouraging locally owned businesses is important to social cohesion. Owner operators have more than just a financial interest in the community. My company operates the tourist radio service on 98.4FM in Bunbury and the associated website www.touristradio.com.au/bunbury . This service aims to promote the things to do in Bunbury and hinterland town such as Donnybrook, where I live. The radio programs also tell local stories and feature local talent. As a society we are very focused on competition, and while this is health to some degree, we also need to recognise that there is much scope for cooperation, especially in relation to tourism. We need each other, that’s what community is all about. I’d like to encourage Bunbury people to listen to the tourist radio as they might discover more about their town. Being a tourist in your own back yard is good for local people (less travel cost) and for local business.

To plan and develop cohesive, inclusive, educated and healthy communities with a strong sense of place, access to all essential services and facilities and housing to meet diverse needs.

Providing and financing sporting facilities

To encourage an increase in participation in leisure and sporing activities it is very important that the Community Plan includes the provision of adequate sporting facilities, and identifies a source of funding to pay for them.

As an example recent press reports have referred to the need to provide premier sporting facilities in Bunbury to serve as suitable venues for local, regional and state sporting events. Whether these facilities more…

I would very much like to see current sporting venues and community centres in Bunbury given an overhaul. These buildings and ablution blocks need to present modern facilities to continue to attract our young people to become proud members of their community.

The poor condition of many which I have visited over the last few years is not only embarassing to those of us that live here, it it not encouraging repeat visits from my family or those who live outside Bunbury.

Bunbury's main street buildings need a lot more tlc lavished on them. Please, if you own any of these more…

There has been much talk of a Waterpark for Bunbury on the various radio stations. On a recent trip to Geraldton we came across their version of a "waterpark" on the foreshore, which is literally just that: a play park for kids that has fountains and sprinklers of water incorporated into arches and pylons (diffuclt to explain). This is a much cheaper, simpler option to what has already been proposed and something that would bring families into the city centre. As I am unable to post any pictures I'm sure this can be viewed on one of Geraldton's tourist sites. Great fun for families with young children (of which there are many in Bunbury)!

I found some information from the ABS website that may be useful when considering your consultative processes and from whom you are getting responses. My summary of the information is as follows however you can form your own opinions if you go to the ABS website.

Only about 55% of people in regional areas like Bunbury have internet access.

Educated, rich and middle income families are three times more likely to have internet access and broadband.

Poor, unemployed, indigenous, aged and disabled people are less likely to have internet access with cost cited as a factor in not being connected.

I think this information has implications for on line surveys and could assist the 2030 Committee when it comes to setting deliverable targets.

I would like to say Bunbury has alot of water surrounding us and what have we done with that, but built housing to benefit from it. We get on the water every weekend to do what you have Barbados to pull up to and have lunch that`s it. We need more of what Mandurah has, utilise our water, build WATER PARKS for adults & kids come on Bunbury we`re BORED!!!!!!!!!.

I just don't understand why Bunbury doesn't have the vision to fully utilise the natural environment which surrounds the city. Has anyone in Bunbury ever been anywhere else in Australia? Perhaps Mandurah, Hillary's boat harbour, South Bank in QLD, Cairns , Glenelg, the Darwin foreshore, Surfer's Paradise etc etc. This is what Bunbury needs! A small waterpark, children's playground - even Donnybrook has that. Bunbury is an embarressment when friends from overseas or interstate come here. Where do I take them? It's time Bunbury DID something! I also suggest that the carpark between Centrepoint and the Stirling Centre, which holds all of 7 cars, be built up so the two buildings meet to create one large shopping centre. Grab some vision Bunbury - you are growing regardless so plan for the future!!

Hi,

With a young family looking for activities for the kids we find ourselves often going outside of Bunbury. Yes Donnybrook has the Apple Fun Park and it's only a 35 minute drive to Busselton where there is much to do although their water park is for sale and closing down! We also used to travel to Busselton when Funorama was operating and now has been located to the Country Life Park which is now further away ad costs more. We also drive a little further to Margs to go to the Chocolate factory or the Maze or for a swim more…

I'd like to see council support for more clubs in the area for a diversity of groups. The runners club is a fantastic set-up and it would be great to have more clubs with this level of inclusion and engagement. I would also be a strong supporter of better off-leash areas for pet owners. Having a dog gets you out and active and there are limited places within Bunbury that you can take your dogs safely off-leash.

Bunbury needs a massive water fun (and 50m outdoor pool) park, that can be used all year round - maybe on or near one of the waterfronts (between Koombana Bay sailing club and the Dolphin discovery centre, for example.

Beachfront playgrounds, cafes, there is so much that can be done to establish Bunbury as a water playground.

Continue supporting the sports clubs, a great social outlet for so many Bunbury families.

Bunbury would really benefit from a waterfront playground and park like Geraldton has, including nice family picnic locations and dining options. Townsville also has a great waterside water park. Big Swamp playground is fantastic, the playground at Marlston hill is nice (although could be improved) and Koombana Bay is quite good however we need more destinations for a city like Bunbury.

Sport played a major role in my life as a teenager in Bunbury. It helped me focus on a positive lifestyle based on team values which is so important for our youth. Continued investment in sport and leisure facilities is really important to steer kids and youth as well as adults in the right direction towards a healthy life.

Bunbury 2030 is an ideal opportunity for people to have their say about the diverse culture and heritage of this thriving City and how it can be preserved for the future.

The Bunbury area has so much potential, the problem is that the Council is so focused on being the regional centre for everything that nothing ever gets done. Why not simply build a facility that services the needs of the Bunbury community. As an example, we have an Art Gallery which is well promoted and well visited by both locals and visitors. We hear that the art collection is worth millions. Why then do we need to spend tens of millions on building a new art gallery. If the Council is so flush with cash, lets start with things that more…

Lot's of comments in support of a waterpark! I don't really disagree with the provision of one, but I would like to see what we have already developed further .......... both now (well, next year) and down the track (2030).

My biggest soapbox at the moment, on the social side, is the lack of amenities available to service the water areas we have and the two main 'squares' ..............

There is so much that could be done to increase social usage of beach front areas, and introduce commercial opportunities. I think the 'franchise' system of having one cafe (?) on Back more…

If you are going to provide housing, make sure it is green housing - built from sustainable materials, well insulated, and energy efficient. To ensure you have an educated and heathly community, increase your dialogue with the community. Bring back to corner shop - allow for well maintained parks in neighbourhoods. Engage with youth - they are the voters of tomorrow.

I attended the Viva Bunbury event on Wed 14th March with my family and watched a large number of people from our beautiful city enjoying a festive and fun night of entertainment. I also noticed how the surrounding businesses benefited from having the street closed to traffic and allowing people to stroll down the 'mall' and enjoy food and drinks while enjoying the dancing etc.

Why doesn't the city make the partial closure of Victoria street to create a 'Mall' to encourage people to realx and sit in alfresco ares whil late night shopping or eating/drinking and enjoying our CBD.

I would love to see a permanent closure of Victoria st along the 'cafe strip' between Prinsep st and Stephen st to encourage people to browse and stop for a coffee instead of rushing from shop to shop to get back to their cars to avoid parking fines.

TO THE CEO OF BUNBURY CITY - THINGS TO DO....

MOST IMPORTANT - A GRAND ENTRANCE TO BUNBURY... IT JUST DOESNT ATTRACT ANYONE THE WAY IT IS NOW... WE NEED A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED URBAN DESIGNED ENTRANCE TO OUR CITY.

1. PLAN DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT NEW WATERFRONT PROJECT - TO RESULT IN MORE CRUISE SHIPS STOPPING AND SPENDING TOURISM DOLLARS. AND AN INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW OR WORLD YACHTING RACE

2. PEDESTRIANIZE PART OF VICTORIA STREET TO ALLOW FOR ALFRESCO DINING INCLUDING LIQUOR LICENCING.

3. GET RID OF PAID PARKING. ITS KILLING SMALL BUSINESS IN TOWN CENTRE

4. URBAN DESIGN OCEANIC DRIVE FROM LIGHTHOUSE TO SOUTHERN MOST more…

Some important links to check out what's happening development wise;

http://www.landcorp.com.au/project/bunburywaterfront

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/business/7088922/bunbury-set-for-1b-waterfront-makeover/

(this was in 2010! Its now 2012 and still nothing has happened)

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/10125662/green-light-for-bunbury-waterfront-development/

Did we get the green light on the Bunbury Waterfront Project?

http://www.bunbury.wa.gov.au/pdf/Planning/structure_plans/bunbury_waterfront_eastside_structure_plan/080401_Bunbury_Waterfront_Eastside_Structure_Plan_Chapter6.pdf

Bunbury Water Front Project Latest News;

The first site to be developed under the proposal will be Koombana North. We are working with others including the City and The Department of Planning to prepare the scheme amendment and structure plan documents necessary for the Koombana North development to proceed. These documents are expected to be finalised and lodged with the City in the second quarter of 2012. If endorsed by the City Council for advertising, a public comment period will be held as part of the statutory process. We will keep you informed of progress on this website.

Planning approvals are anticipated to be in place in late 2012 to enable works to commence by the end of the year.

Good work on developing an online forum for the residents of Bunbury to voice their (mostly) constructive comments on guys, thank you for this.

Many, many great ideas have been listed below, from improved transportation, to water-projects, to entertainment facilities and more. Whilst I support all of these ideas both in concept and delivery, it is my personal opinion that we need to take a closer look at the core dynamics of a city, and not just the 'cosmetic' features that can appeal to tourists.

Walking down many a street in Bunbury at night can be a somewhat unnerving task, particularly in more…

Bunbury is dying and outer areas are progressing. Scrap those parking meters. Some people simply don't come into Bunbury because of the nuisance value of them. Give the small businesses a break especially in this economic climate.

The back beach used to be thriving. Great landscaping but the car parking again is ridiculous. Hungry hollow used to be a very popular, safer stretch of the coast for families. There seemed to be little thought as to where people had gathered when they did the planning. Parents with children used to like the ease which came with getting to that area and more…

I have lived in Bunbury nearly all my life and has seen it change in some areas and stay the same in others. It has grown into a beautiful place to live. But unfortunately it is getting over crouded on the roads, in the CBD and in the suburbs (knocking down beautiful old houses and building several units on the same block!). We definalty need to start building up and with doing that at the same time alocating adequite parking!

ECU is ok but needs more varity to keep young ones here! Hospital needs to be build going up! not more…

Sporting facilities do provide fabulous opportunities for families to get together, to keep active and socialise. Let's try to promote all the non sporting options as well like art and music festivals and drama and theatre shows.

Events like the summer concerts at the Bricknell shell are terrific.

Let's try to encourage people to enjoy a drink instead of getting drunk, the walk up Victoria street on a Sunday morning is often reminiscent of a walk through a war zone! Let's have more rubbish bins in areas where people gather so that rubbish is not billowing through the city. Lets develop the Back beach with ferris wheels and cafes and restaurants and water theme parks and tree lined walkways with paths that have information about famous people and historical events from Bunbury on them so you can learn about the city as you walk.

Lets attract people back into the city!!

A Perth/English-born friend of mine commented how much she liked Bunbury because it had a 'high street'. I am passionate about Bunbury maintaining its vibrant city centre; at the moment we are like Fremantle, Leederville, Claremont and Subiaco. We have people bustling on our streets, alfresco diners, busy workers and ambling tourists. I dread the day we become like Karrinyup or Morley or Joondalup who have no heart to their suburbs, just one giant concrete monolith full of the same old chain stores. These shopping centres suck the people off the streets and leave nothing. All we will have is a deserted city centre while everyone congregates at KMart, Big W and Centrepoint and to top it all off, Blair St and the Homemaker Centre will make us just another American-style middle class town.

Encourage small local businesses with original vision to set up shops in the city and get the workers out on the street for their lunch break; a central park for eating, lunchtime entertainment...

After spending some time walking around the inlet circuit the other day I think we should have a Museum, family fun/park/water park/ and Conference Centre opposite the Dolphin Discovery centre. The railway/bus station should be relocated in this area also.

BUNBURY 2030 SHOULD BE ABOUT THE 20-30 YEAR-OLD BRACKET!!!!

Its great to see this initiative happening, and there's some really good comments so far. My wife and I have been here just over 2 years and we were really impressed with the place when we arrived; the main street, the beaches, the Marlston precinct, easy traffic, and most services were on offer. Being both in our late 20s and having lived in other places around WA, we were excited to be here and were keen to experience what was on offer. Sadly, after 6 months or so, we realised it was more…

http://www.bunburymail.com.au/news/local/news/general/bunburys-newage-trends-drive-sports-centre-upgrade/2542045.aspx

Here is an article I read recently. It is absolutely a shock. If I read it right, the basketball courts will be "upgraded" to other functions? And we call that an expansion? I do not understand that every week we are paying for $3.50 to use the court, which is not lit and not even cleaned, and now is going to be taken out. Unbelievable. What can we do to keep the basketball courts or actually UPGRADE the courts.