Update on Stage 6 Dunsborough Townscape Works

Published on 25 October 2019

Consultation with local businesses and residents regarding the next stage of the Dunsborough Town Centre development (Stage 6); did not reveal a clear community preference for any one of the three options presented.

This lack of clear preference along with feedback from community groups has led Council to the decision to delay these works. Further consultation will be undertaken taking a more holistic approach to the proposed works and factoring in opportunities and actions arising from ongoing Activity Centre Planning. The options presented to the community will be reviewed in the context of how they complement upgrades already undertaken and future improvement plans across a much broader footprint.  The revised options will then be re-tested with the community.

Dunsborough Town Centre has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. Stages 1 – 5 have involved the revitalisation of Lions Park, the realignment of Seymour Boulevard to improve vehicle and pedestrian access, increased car parking and the significant greening of the central area. Lighting, footpath, street furniture and landscaping upgrades have improved the amenity of the area returning open space to the community.

Stage 6 works focus on a high profile area between the roundabout on Dunn Bay Road/Naturaliste Terrace and Cyrillean Way. This area is yet to benefit from an upgrade and there is a need to install compliant accessible parking bays and establish a raised pedestrian road refuge to aid crossing.

Three options for the proposed works were developed and released for community consultation. Essentially these options provided a balance between optimising open public space and maintaining the maximum number of car parking bays along the terrace.  Option A provided maximum opportunities for future alfresco dining and incorporated feature gardens and public seating, it did, however, require a reduction of 19 car parking bays.  Option B provided reduced options for landscaping and alfresco dining and required a reduction of 8 car parking bays. Option C provided significantly less landscaping and very little option (if any) for future alfresco dining. However, it resulted in a gain of 7 car parking bays.

The results of the Your Say Engagement consultation and comments received through meetings with business owners and operators were polarised between Option A (more greenery) and Option C (more car parking).

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said: “Stage 6 Works focus on Naturaliste Terrace in the commercial heart of the CBD. They will have significant bearing on the form and functionality of the town centre and we want to make sure we have popular support before we commence.  We have therefore opted to delay works and revisit the options presented to ensure we have the right mix between public open space and carparks – noting that through the various stages of townscape upgrade already undertaken, there has been a net increase in parking supply of approximately 80 bays.”

The Objectives out lined in this media release are aligned to Key Goal Area 2 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (Review 2019): Places that are Vibrant, Attractive and Affordable.

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