OUR VIEW: Big Swamp plan is on right track

A 10-year plan to develop the Big Swamp is a big chance to protect Bunbury’s most important natural environment.

The Big Swamp Concept Development Plan broadly aims to connect the three separate sections of the Big Swamp to create a cohesive nature park.

It also includes ideas to improve public open space, traffic and attractions to promote the park to the public.

The ideas of including a fenced-off dog exercise area and a seasonal creek within the Big Swamp are worthy of consideration.

However, the public must be provided with assurances the integrity of the nature area will not be threatened by any development.

The council should be praised for acknowledging there needed to be a balance between recreation and the environment –and for continually consulting with the public about its intentions.

If the council adopts the plan at next week’s meeting, it must make sure it continues to give its full support to make the development a reality. Officers should make sure the development continues to be a priority and is not left on the shelf to be forgotten.

The Big Swamp is an asset for the Bunbury community because it is centrally located and represents the most convenient place where the public can experience the environment.

In the past decade the park has become a tourist attraction mainly because of the popular Bunbury Wildlife Park.

Now is the prime time to build on this and make sure the Big Swamp is maintained for generations of Bunbury residents to enjoy.