$8.7m council land up for sale

Bunbury City Council plans to sell land worth $8.7 million to reap more from rates, pay-off debt and build new community projects.

The council will next week decide if it will sell four parcels of land located across the city as part of its “land rationalisation” policy.

The Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre carpark (worth $5 million), two College Grove blocks ($1.9 million) and a block at Koombana Drive ($1.8 million), have been slated for commercial development.

This adds to a number of properties, including prime beachfront land, which are to be sold.

Mayor Gary Brennan has previously said money raised in the land sales would be used for capital projects and to pay off debt.

He has argued the community would also benefit from additional rates following development.

However, the proposal to sell the BREC carpark, which is one of the most well-used parking spots in Bunbury, has raised concern.

The council believes the land could lure a hotel developer.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly questioned the council’s parking strategy following fears a number of carparks would be lost.

In response, acting chief executive officer Bob Karaszkewych said the latest strategy would be available in the next six months.

Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries chief executive officer Ray Philp was confident the council would make sure there was enough parking provided in any development of the BREC site.

Mr Philp believed there needed to be a new development to cater for the “top end” of the accommodation market.

“Our concern would always be that we have a parking strategy to meet demand, ” Mr Philp said.

“But we support the council’s policy to attract that development by using council land.”

South West MLC Adele Farina said councillors needed to act in the best interest of the community and claimed council reports did not provide enough information to make an informed decision.

“I urge councillors to ensure they have all relevant information, including the resultant impacts of a decision to sell, and consult with CBD business owners and the community before making a decision to sell these valuable and significant parcels of land, ” she said.