Still waiting ...

State Opposition has claimed the Barnett Government did not deny an accusation that the Bunbury Waterfront Project was years behind its scheduled completion date.

Labor Leader Eric Ripper said Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls admitted in Parliament yesterday the project had been delayed.

Mr Ripper said after visiting Bunbury two weeks ago it was brought to his attention there had been little action on the waterfront by the Government.

``Bunbury residents are still waiting for the $45 million Bunbury Waterfront Project to enhance their city,’’ Mr Ripper said.

``In Parliament Mr Grylls had the arrogance to say ‘the delay in the Bunbury waterfront development occurred because the local community opposed the plans that were put forward’.

``The Barnett Government needs to sit down with the Bunbury council and finalise the plans for the project as a matter of urgency.

``The development will strengthen Bunbury as a tourism destination and improve the lifestyle for local people.’’

Mr Ripper said Bunbury was Australia’s third-fastest growing regional city and the development plans for the city needed to be fast-tracked.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli told the Bunbury Herald in February work could begin on the controversial waterfront development before the next State election.

He said he was ``very hopeful that we will see some action on the ground’’ by 2013.

Planning Minister John Day recently approved amendments to the Greater Bunbury Region Scheme.

The long-awaited decision marked the first step in the process for the proposal and follows a public consultation period in which 400 submissions were received.

``The amendments rezone portions of land, waterway and railway in the areas known as Marlston North and Koombana North to regional centre zoning allowing detailed planning by the City of Bunbury and LandCorp for the area’s development to proceed,’’ Mr Day said.

But the proposed amendment for Koombana South was withdrawn with the Waterfront task force and Bunbury City Council set to revisit plans and land use for the site.