Council moves on Boulters Heights

Bunbury City Council will launch another bid to fix the prime CBD park of Boulters Heights with a plan that could cost $1.2 million.

The council is preparing to endorse a management plan for the area — labelled a “disgrace” by a former councillor — but questions are being raised over how the plan will be funded.

One suggestion under the Boulters Heights Reserve Management Plan proposes money from the sale of council land at Withers Crescent at the top of the site be used to pay for the plan over a five-year period.

The council would need to fork out a further $51,500 annually on maintenance under the extensive plan.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the development plan did not rely on the council selling the four blocks of land, but he was confident the lots, which offered “majestic views” would be snapped up.

The Mayor said the “injection of cash” from selling the lots would help bring forward the transformation.

Alternatively the council could look to include the work in future Budgets.

Cr Judy Jones raised her concerns at a briefing session this week, saying it was “at least the fourth” attempt to enhance Boulters Heights during her time on the council and questioned what would happen if the land sales did not go ahead.

Mr Brennan said the outcome would be a matter for the council next week “but obviously the plans need to be funded” and there was an opportunity to dispose of land.

Former councillor and prominent Bunbury businessman Stephen Craddock in 2008 criticised a $600,000 revamp of Boulters Heights after being involved in the decision making for five years.

Speaking to theTimes yesterday, Mr Craddock said the area was “still a disgrace”.

“Hundreds-of-thousands of dollars have been spent and with little success,” Mr Craddock said.

“Main parts of this plan are contingent on sales of lots and unless those lots are sold, how long will it be — it could be many years.”

Mr Brennan said he acknowledged previous attempts had been unsuccessful, but he was confident with “community buy-in and a robust management plan” the area would be enhanced.

The council is expected to endorse the plan, which could include improving staircases and lookouts, next week.