Free dump point raises stink

Bunbury City Council will build the city’s first free waste dump point, to tap into the lucrative tourism market for caravan and campervan users.

The dump point will be built at one of Bunbury’s most popular tourists spots, opposite the Koombana Bay Kiosk and the newly renovated public toilets.

The council supported the plan on Tuesday night, on the condition that Tourism WA will contribute to the cost.

Council staff will prepare a traffic plan because some councillors are worried about the safety of children at a nearby playground.

During the debate, Cr Karen Steele said she supported the proposal but not the location.

She said the plan could come at the cost of children’s safety because caravans would not have enough space to turn around safely, forcing them to reverse in the carpark.

“It is a safety issue,” she said.

“It is not the right spot for a dump point.”

Cr Murray Cook praised the idea, believing it would encourage tourists to visit Bunbury.

“This actually puts us on the map, ” he said.

“Bunbury is not on the map. I love being on the map. It doesn’t matter what it is.”

There are at least three dump points in Bunbury but none are free and can only be used by guests of resorts and caravan parks.

There was no community consultation about the plan but the council was approached by Tourism WA in July.

There would be no extra capital costs because the sewerage system for the new toilets at Koombana Bay could be modified.

“The opportunity to provide improved facilities to attract and retain visitors at no capital outlay for the city is only feasible if the dump point can be installed in conjunction with the upgrade works to the Koombana Bay ablution block, ” senior building and structures officer Mark Robson said in his report to the council.

A dump point is believed to encourage tourists to stop and then spend time and money nearby.

Tourism WA estimates 939,000 visitors stayed in caravan parks and campgrounds in WA last year.

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