Council approves Bunbury splash park

The highly anticipated water splash park has been given the final tick of approval by Bunbury City Council.

The council this week accepted submissions made during public consultation and authorised the deal with Discovery Holiday Parks.

The deal includes Koombana Bay Caravan Park’s management of the Sykes Foreshore splash park, its 50-year lease and expansion.

The council and park owners hosted a public information session over the deal.

Concerns raised included the concept plans for the splash park, traffic management and resident relocations as a result of the extension of the holiday park.

The council says all concerns have been noted and will be worked through with the relevant parties.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the council resolution was an important milestone in getting the project off the ground.

“The community has been waiting patiently for this and we are excited about this agreement with Discovery Holiday Parks in being able to give the community what they have been asking for,” Mr Brennan said.

“Not only will this project activate the area but it will create jobs, increase visitation to the city and help leverage investment back into Bunbury.”

The council will now enter into a sale and development agreement with Discovery Holiday Parks over Lot 1881 Koombana Drive as well as a long-term lease over Lot 752 Koombana Drive and a portion of Lot 3002 Lyons Cove.

Construction of the splash park is expected to start in April 2019 with the park set to be ready for next summer.

The splash park will be managed by the caravan park, but entry will be free to the community.

The council will contribute $700,000 to the $1.7 million splash park project as well as upgrade the existing Sykes Foreshore playground and public open space by providing new amenities, landscaping and parking.

Consultation will start in early 2019 to find out what the community wants included in the upgrades to the playground and public open space.