Have your say on Bunbury Ocean Pool

Project Overview

Following a number of studies into the viability of an ocean pool at Wyalup Rocky Point, a business case and concept plan have been produced. Council have endorsed the concept plans, and it is now crucial that the City understands community views on the proposed project.

A community survey was conducted 14 August - 15 September 2023 and two Community Information Sessions were held 28 August. The results of the survey are now being collated and will be reported back to community in due course. Please "follow' this page to recieve update notifications.

On this page you can learn more about the Bunbury ocean pool concept.

The concept plan (accessible via the Document Library - right-hand side of this page) proposes a community, free-to-use, saltwater ocean pool nestled among the existing basalt rocks and channel, featuring a 50m lap pool, 25m rehabilitation pool, entry ramp with wheelchair access, children’s pool and wading zone. The plan also includes amenities and landscaping of the precinct.

Studies into the viability of the project so far include site investigation, noise and visual impacts, geotechnical investigation, and an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Report.

Further consultation with key stakeholders including Aboriginal community regarding the heritage and cultural significance of the proposed location, and regulatory authorities and funding bodies are priority next steps.

The Council endorsed the City identifying and seeking funding opportunities including from State and Federal governments, and private investment with the project estimated at $17.82 million plus additional ongoing yearly operational and maintenance costs.

If the project goes ahead, the Bunbury ocean pool would be the first, true operating ocean pool in Western Australia and the first ocean pool built in Australia in more than 60 years. The proposed ocean pool offers a unique opportunity to provide a new health and wellbeing recreational asset to the community and new tourism and engagement opportunities for visitors.

The feasibility studies into an ocean pool for Bunbury were supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, which provided $250,000 in funding.

At this early stage, the City want to gauge community sentiment to support progressing the proposed project.

A community survey was conducted 14 August - 15 September 2023 and two Community Information Sessions were held 28 August. The results of thesurvey are now being collated and will be reported back to community in due course. Please "follow' this page to recieve update notifications.

The City are continuing research into the viability of a Bunbury ocean pool. Please note that at this time, the City's Corporate Business Plan has budgetary provision only for further research into the viability of the ocean pool.

Next steps of investigating project feasibility include:

  • Further Aboriginal community consultation in regard to heritage and traditional storylines

     

     

  • Commencement of discussions with regulatory authorities
  • Identify funding opportunities including private, State and Federal Government sources

    Please note that City funding for delivery of this project is not secured at this time.

  • Seek funding to enable commencement of further development of the concept plan to schematic design phase