An ocean pool proposed for Bunbury will go to public consultation next month

A long-gestating ocean pool proposal for Bunbury will go to public consultation next month after a packed council meeting in June voted unanimously to move forward with the project.

It would be the first ocean pool to be built in the country in over 60 years, and the first in Western Australia ever.

The latest push comes after a refined concept for the pool was released along with a number of studies into the project’s viability including “site investigation, noise and visual impacts, geotechnical investigation and an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Report.“

With a projected cost of $17.82 million (plus on-going costs), the new plans propose a free-to-use saltwater ocean pool featuring a 50m lap pool, 25m rehabilitation pool, entry ramp with wheelchair access, children’s pool and wading zone.

Landscaping and new amenities for the precinct include a canopy structure for shade, change-rooms, cafe and community room.

A local group campaigning for the project, Bunbury Beach Pool Concept, were thrilled with the news, stating via Facebook: “The votes are in and the pool lives on by an unanimous approval. Thank you everyone who turned up and shared in a positive community event. You really did make a difference. Thank you Mayor and Councillors for your support…”

The City of Bunbury is now putting together an engagement plan to be launched via its community engagement hub, Community Connect, citing the importance of community and stakeholder input to the future of the project, along with Aboriginal community consultation.

Back in the 1930s Bunbury was home to a saltwater pool called Stillwater Baths, and the push to build this new pool will be close to that site, at Walyalup Rocky Point, an old basalt quarry.

Learn more about the project via the City of Bunbury.

Image Credit: City of Bunbury