City Land Opportunities – Supporting Housing and Growth in Bunbury 

Making City land work for our community 

The City of Bunbury owns a number of freehold land parcels across the city. Some serve important community functions. Others are underutilised, constrained or vacant, and in the context of a housing crisis and a growing city, that represents an opportunity. 

The City has undertaken a comprehensive review of its landholdings to identify sites that could better serve our community through housing, accommodation, commercial activation or development. This is not about selling off assets. It’s about making sure the land our community owns is working as hard as it can for the people who live here. 

Our approach 

• Identifying City-owned sites suitable for housing and accommodation to address community need 

• Exploring activation of underutilised land through development, partnership or community use 

• Being transparent about what we’re working on, where things are up to, and how decisions are made 

• Following proper process at every step, including community engagement and Council consideration 

What to expect 

Each site is different. Some are straightforward. Some are complex and require significant planning, investment or partnership to unlock. Some may ultimately not proceed. But we believe our community deserves to know what we’re working on, why, and where things are up to. 

Any disposal of City land must be publicly advertised under the Local Government Act and referred to Council for formal consideration. The community will have the opportunity to be informed and have their say on each site as it progresses. 

Where does the money go? 

City-owned land is a community asset. Any proceeds from its sale are ratepayer funds – reinvested into the services, infrastructure and projects our community needs. 

It’s also worth understanding what happens when vacant City-owned land becomes homes. New residential properties contribute to the City’s rate base, which means the cost of delivering roads, parks, community facilities and services is shared across a broader base of ratepayers.  

That benefits everyone. It doesn’t increase what existing ratepayers pay, it reduces the burden by sharing it more widely. 

This isn’t about generating profit. The City is not a business. It is a community institution that reinvests every dollar back into the community it serves. Making underutilised land available for housing delivers homes for families who need them and strengthens the City’s long-term capacity to serve all ratepayers. 

This page provides an overview of the sites the City is actively progressing or investigating, and we’ll keep it updated as things develop. 

Lot 211 and 501 Holywell Street, South Bunbury (Punchbowl) 

A substantial freehold site comprising two adjoining parcels, located within an established residential area near Back Beach and Bunbury’s City Centre. The site is commonly known as Punchbowl, the location of a former caravan park that has remained vacant for over a decade. It is one of the largest City-owned development opportunities in Bunbury. 

The site is zoned Tourism under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8, supporting a range of land uses associated with short-term and longer-term accommodation. The site’s scale and strategic coastal location provide genuine flexibility for a range of development outcomes that could deliver significant housing, accommodation or mixed-use benefits for the city. 

The journey so far 

The City has been working to activate this site for over 15 years: 

• 2010 to 2011: Site listed on the market – no offers received 
• 2017: Land investigation and development agreement entered into with LandCorp to address site constraints 
• 2020: Geotechnical enquiry undertaken 
• 2024: Registration of interest process advertised – submissions received did not meet City requirements 
• 2026: Further geotechnical assessments confirm ground conditions are manageable 
• 2026: Confidential briefing note to be presented to Council 

This timeline demonstrates that activating complex sites takes time, sustained effort and persistence. The City has not stopped working on Punchbowl, it has been methodically addressing constraints and seeking the right development pathway for a site of this significance. 

Known constraints 

There are known constraints that any future development will need to address: 

• Part of the site has been identified as contaminated and will require remediation 
• The lot is not currently connected to services, although services are located nearby 
• The site’s scale and contamination history mean development requires a level of investment and partnership beyond a simple land sale 
• These are not uncommon challenges for former industrial or commercial sites of this nature. Recent geotechnical assessments have confirmed that ground conditions are manageable, which is a significant step forward in unlocking this site’s potential. 

Why this matters 

Punchbowl represents one of the most significant development opportunities in Bunbury. Its size, location near Back Beach and the City Centre, and its tourism zoning mean it has the potential to deliver outcomes at a scale that few other sites in the city can match. 

The City is committed to ensuring that whatever happens on this site delivers a strong outcome for the community – not just any development, but the right development for this location and this city. 

What’s happening now 

A confidential briefing note is being presented to Council for consideration. Confidentiality is required at this stage to protect the City’s commercial position and ensure the best possible outcome for ratepayers. Once Council has made its determination, the City will provide the community with further information. 

Any disposal or development will be subject to community engagement, including public advertising under the Local Government Act, and Council consideration. The community will have the opportunity to be informed and have their say. 

Next steps: Council consideration of briefing note – May 2026. Community engagement to follow Council’s determination. 

Lot 21 Beach Road, South Bunbury  

A vacant freehold lot with a long rectangular configuration and direct street frontage, situated within an established residential area adjacent to Big Swamp Nature Reserve. The lot is zoned Residential R15, which allows for two residential lots of approximately 728m² each – a lower density than the surrounding R20/R30/R40 properties. 

The lot was originally zoned Parks and Recreation due to historical lot-size constraints, not for environmental or recreational purposes. It was rezoned to Residential in 2015 through a full statutory process including community consultation, environmental assessment, EPA and DPaW referral, and WA Planning Commission approval. 

The City is progressing the sale of this lot to make underutilised City-owned residential land available for housing as part of its response to Bunbury’s housing shortage. 

At its Ordinary Council Meeting in April 2026, Council considered a community petition requesting the lot be permanently removed from sale. Council resolved to not support the petition request, noting the lot’s residential zoning, the full statutory process undertaken in 2015, the absence of any identified public open space function, and the sale’s consistency with the City’s housing response. Council also noted that the formal disposal process under the Local Government Act remains ahead. 

Next steps: The lot is currently on the market. Should an offer be received, the proposed disposal must be publicly advertised under the Local Government Act for a minimum of 14 days and referred back to Council for formal consideration and approval. The community will have a further opportunity to make submissions at that time. 

Lot 3 Blair Street, Bunbury  

A landmark 15-storey hotel development in Bunbury’s City Centre – six years in the making. The City has been working closely with the developer since 2019 to bring this significant project to life, including design refinement, subdivision works and legal agreements. 

The development will include 250 hotel rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant, two ground floor restaurants, a day spa and function rooms, creating vibrant new spaces for locals while significantly boosting Bunbury’s accommodation offering and tourism reputation. 

The development plans have been presented to the South West Design Review Panel. Once the Development Application is lodged, the proposal will be advertised for community consultation. 

Next steps: Awaiting lodgement of Development Application, followed by community consultation. 

Lot 330 Ocean Drive, Bunbury 

A freehold site situated along Bunbury’s South West coastline, close to Wyalup-Rocky Point and the iconic Bunbury Lighthouse. The site offers uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean and is in close proximity to recreational reserves, schools, medical and transport facilities. 

The lot is zoned Regional Centre with a residential density of R-AC3 under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8, supporting a range of development outcomes including higher-density residential, mixed-use and commercial uses. Most essential services including scheme water, electricity, natural gas and telephone are available by connecting to nearby existing infrastructure. 

The City undertook a registration of interest process for this site in 2025, seeking expressions from experienced developers with a clear vision to unlock the site’s potential while delivering economic value to the City and community. That process has now closed and the City is assessing the submissions received. 

Next steps: The outcomes of the registration of interest process and recommended pathway will be presented to Council for consideration. Any disposal or development will be subject to community engagement, Council consideration and public advertising under the Local Government Act. 

Lot 66 and Lot 497 Ocean Drive, Bunbury 

Two vacant freehold sites positioned directly opposite Back Beach with unobstructed ocean views, situated within one of Bunbury’s most prominent coastal locations. Together, these lots represent a significant opportunity to activate the Back Beach precinct for the benefit of the community. 

What’s happening now 

A proposed scheme amendment is currently out for public comment. The amendment proposes rezoning both City-owned lots – along with neighbouring privately-owned land on Ocean Drive – from Tourism to Mixed Use – Commercial with an R80 density code. This would support a broader range of development outcomes including higher-density residential, commercial and mixed-use development in this prime coastal location. 

The scheme amendment was initiated by Council in July 2025 and is being progressed by Element Advisory on behalf of the property owners. It reflects a collaborative approach between the City and neighbouring private landowners to unlock the potential of the entire Back Beach precinct – not just individual lots in isolation. 

Have your say 

Public comment on the proposed scheme amendment is open now and closes Monday 6 July 2026. 

You can view the full proposal and make a submission here. Submissions can also be made at the City’s Administration Building, 4 Stephen Street, Bunbury. For questions, contact the City’s Planning Team on 9792 7063 or info@bunbury.wa.gov.au 

Why this matters 

The Back Beach precinct is one of Bunbury’s most significant coastal assets. Activating these sites through appropriate development has the potential to deliver housing, accommodation, commercial activity and community benefit in a location that has sat underutilised for too long. The proposed rezoning is a critical step in unlocking that potential. 

Next steps: Public comment period closes 6 July 2026. Submissions will be considered by Council as part of its determination on the scheme amendment. Any future disposal or development of the City-owned lots will be subject to further community engagement, Council consideration and public advertising under the Local Government Act.

Lot 103 Gibbons Road and Lot 104 McCombe Road, Davenport 

Two freehold parcels located within the Davenport industrial precinct. The lots are surrounded by established industrial and commercial activities, positioning them within a well-connected employment area. 

Both lots are zoned Light Industry under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8 and are currently utilised for City operational purposes. The City is assessing the long-term requirements for these sites as part of its broader operational and land planning. 

Should these lots be identified as surplus to the City’s operational needs, they represent a potential opportunity for industrial or commercial activation within an established and well-serviced precinct. 

Next steps: The City is continuing to assess its operational requirements for these sites. Any future decision to dispose of these lots would be subject to community engagement, Council consideration and public advertising under the Local Government Act. Further updates will be provided as planning progresses.

Lot 501 Milligan Street, Carey Park  

A substantial 77,200m² (7.7 hectare) freehold site in Carey Park, currently leased to the Bunbury Trotting Club for use as a horse training track. This is one of the largest City-owned landholdings with potential for future residential development and could accommodate a significant number of homes for Bunbury families. 

The site is zoned Private Community Purpose under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8. Any future residential development would require rezoning, preparation of a local structure plan, and resolution of several known constraints. 

Known constraints 

Activating this site for housing would require significant planning and investment: 

• Rezoning from Private Community Purpose to Residential 
• Preparation of a local structure plan 
• Water management planning 
• Site remediation (historical contamination) 
• Connection to services (not currently connected, services located nearby) 
• Ongoing discussions with the current leaseholder, the Bunbury Trotting Club 

These constraints mean this site is a longer-term opportunity that will require careful, staged planning to unlock, but its scale means the potential community benefit is substantial. 

Why this site matters 

At 7.7 hectares, this site has the potential to deliver housing at a scale that few other sites in Bunbury can match. In the context of a growing city and a housing shortage, sites of this size and potential are rare and warrant serious long-term planning to get right. 

The City is committed to working with the current leaseholder, the community and relevant stakeholders to determine the most appropriate pathway for this site. Given its scale, its current use, and the complexity involved, this will be a site where extensive community engagement is central to the process. 

Next steps: Early-stage investigation and stakeholder discussions underway. Significant planning, environmental and infrastructure work required before development could proceed. The community will be engaged throughout the process as the site progresses. Any future rezoning would require formal public advertising and Council consideration. 

Expected timeframe: 3 to 5+ years.

Lot 450 Ecclestone Street, Carey Park

A vacant freehold site situated in the heart of Carey Park. The lot is zoned Private Community Purpose under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 8 and is not currently connected to services, although services are located nearby. 

The City has identified an opportunity to investigate rezoning this lot to Residential, which could support additional housing in an established suburb where demand continues to grow. As with all sites in the City’s land program, any future rezoning would require formal public advertising and Council consideration.  

Given the site’s location within an established residential community, the City is committed to extensive community engagement as part of any future proposal. 

Next steps: Early-stage investigation into rezoning feasibility. The community will be engaged before any rezoning is progressed. Any future disposal or development will be subject to Council consideration and public advertising under the Local Government Act. 

Expected timeframe: 5 to 10 years. 

Lot 37 Nuytsia Avenue, Carey Park  

A 30,250m² (3+ hectare) site in Carey Park, formerly used as the City’s depot and nursery operations. Situated within an established residential area, this is a site the community regularly asks about, and the City is actively working to unlock it. 

The site forms part of the Bunbury Racecourse Structure Plan and has obtained support from the WA Planning Commission to be rezoned for residential development. The proposed density of R60 means this site has the potential to deliver a significant number of homes in a suburb where housing is needed. 

Where things are up to 

The City is progressing several workstreams simultaneously to bring this site closer to development: 

• Land tenure: The site is currently held under a Crown Grant in Trust for depot and nursery purposes. The City wrote to the Minister for Lands in December 2025 requesting the Crown Grant be unfettered. Once resolved, the City will be required to purchase the lot at current market valuation. 
• Contamination: A contamination memorial is recorded on the Certificate of Title. The City has applied for Regional Housing Support Funding to support decontamination works. If successful, the City will prepare for remediation. 
• Rezoning: The lot is currently zoned Urban Development. The WAPC has supported the proposed rezoning to Residential R60. This process will be progressed once land tenure and contamination matters are resolved. 
• Services: The site is not currently connected to services, although services are located nearby. 

Why this site matters 

At over 3 hectares in an established residential area, with WAPC support for residential rezoning already secured, this site represents one of the City’s most advanced and significant housing opportunities.  

The community has been asking what’s happening here, and the answer is that the City is methodically working through the constraints that must be resolved before development can proceed. 

These constraints are real – Crown land processes, contamination remediation and market purchase all take time. But the City is actively progressing each one rather than waiting for conditions to be perfect before acting. 

Next steps: Awaiting response from the Minister for Lands regarding the Crown Grant. Awaiting outcome of Regional Housing Support Funding application for decontamination. Once land tenure and contamination are resolved, rezoning and development planning can proceed. Any future development will be subject to community engagement, Council consideration and public advertising. 

Expected timeframe: 3 to 5 years. 

Reserve 34030, Turkey Point, Vittoria  

A substantial 168,971m² (16.9 hectare) Crown land reserve on the outskirts of Bunbury adjoining the Bunbury Port, known locally as Turkey Point. The City holds a management order for this site. The area has recently become significantly more accessible following the construction of the Turkey Point Access Road and bridge, linking Estuary Drive to Leschenault.  

This new connectivity has opened up the conversation about what this important site could become for our community. 

Where things are up to 

• Geotechnical assessment: The City is currently undertaking geotechnical assessment regarding fly ash present on the site. 
• Grant funding: The City has secured $1 million in State Government grant funding to develop infrastructure at this location. 
• Management plan: The City has a management plan in place for the fly ash zone, with future aspirations to enhance and activate this important area. 

What makes this site different 

Turkey Point is not a standard development site. It is Crown land zoned Regional Open Space and Waterways, which means its future use will need to be consistent with those values. The City’s approach here is about determining the most appropriate use for this land – one that enhances our community’s access to and enjoyment of this unique coastal location while managing the known environmental constraints responsibly. 

This is not about residential housing. It’s about unlocking a significant community asset that has long been inaccessible and underutilised, now that new infrastructure has made that possible. 

Next steps: Determine appropriate future use for the land. Complete geotechnical assessment and develop a remediation plan for contaminated areas. Progress infrastructure development supported by State Government grant funding. The community will be engaged as plans for this site develop. 

Expected timeframe: 5 to 10 years. 

Lot 102 Withers Crescent, Bunbury

A 1563m² vacant freehold lot within walking distance of Bunbury’s City Centre and Back Beach, situated in an established residential area. The lot is zoned Residential with an R20/60 density code, providing flexibility for a range of housing outcomes from traditional residential lots through to higher-density development. 

The site’s proximity to the City Centre, Back Beach and surrounding amenities makes it a strong candidate for housing activation. The City is currently assessing feasibility, constraints and the most appropriate pathway to bring this site to market. 

Next steps: Further assessment and feasibility work underway. Any disposal or development will be subject to community engagement, Council consideration and public advertising under the Local Government Act.  

Expected timeframe: 1 to 3 years. 

Future Opportunities 

The following sites are at the very earliest stages of consideration. They are included here because we believe our community deserves to know what’s on our radar, even when plans are not yet formed. These are important sites for Bunbury – each with deep community connections, existing uses and complex considerations that will require careful, considered planning and extensive community engagement before any decisions are made. 

No decisions have been made on these sites. No timelines have been set. They are listed here for transparency and to ensure our community is informed from the outset, not after plans are already in motion. 

We will update this section as these sites progress.

Souths Precinct, Bunbury 

The Souths Precinct comprises eight freehold land parcels situated within Bunbury’s Regional Centre zone. The precinct includes the facility currently leased to the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum on a peppercorn lease, as well as an associated carpark. One parcel remains part of a deceased estate. 

The site’s Regional Centre zoning and inner-city location mean it may have potential for future mixed-use or residential activation. However, this site is at the very earliest stage of consideration.  

The City acknowledges the existing community uses on this site and any future planning will be undertaken with full awareness of and respect for those current functions and the community connections they represent. 

Current status: No decisions have been made. No proposals have been developed. The City is simply identifying that this precinct may warrant future consideration as part of its long-term land planning. 

Next steps: Any future proposal for this site would be subject to extensive community engagement, Council consideration and all relevant statutory processes. The community will be engaged well before any decisions are contemplated. 

Lot 3001 Lyons Cove, Bunbury  

A Crown land reserve at Lyons Cove with a management order to the City, situated in a prime location close to the popular Sykes Foreshore playground and splash park. The reserve’s designated purpose is recreation, launching ramp and parking. 

The community may recognise part of this site as the former home of the Power Boat Club. Following community feedback and a structural report which identified significant safety concerns and an estimated $500,000 remediation cost, Council supported demolishing the dilapidated building. That demolition has now been completed, opening up the conversation about what this important waterfront location could become. 

What’s being considered 

The site has been identified for mixed-use or tourism opportunities in the City’s Leschenault Inlet Master Plan. The City is currently exploring different development and activation opportunities for this location, with the goal of seeing this unique waterfront site reach its full potential for the community. 

As this is Crown land, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has advised that any commercial use would require the City to either purchase the parcel or enter into a lease arrangement. Any future direction will also need to align with the Leschenault Inlet Masterplan. 

What this site is not 

This is not a proposal to remove public open space or restrict community access to the waterfront. The launching ramp and foreshore access are valued community assets. Any future activation of this site will be considered with full respect for its recreational function and its importance to the community. 

Current status: No decisions have been made. No proposals have been developed. The City is exploring what’s possible for this location now that the former building has been removed. 

Next steps: Extensive community consultation will occur before any decisions are made on this site. The City is committed to engaging with the community early and meaningfully on the future of this location. Any future proposal will be subject to Council consideration and all relevant statutory processes. 

Private Developments – Community Updates 

The following sites are privately owned and are not part of the City’s land program. However, they represent significant development proposals that will shape Bunbury’s future and we know our community is interested in their progress. We’ve included them here for transparency and to provide a central source of information.

Glen Iris Village, Glen Iris 

A privately-owned site where the owners have submitted an application for a mixed-use urban village to the State Development Assessment Unit (SDAU). The proposal includes a range of commercial and community facilities including a medical centre, childcare premises, consulting rooms, tavern, shops, private recreation facility, service station, community purpose building, convention centre and other complementary uses. 

This is a significant development that would bring substantial new services and commercial activity to the Glen Iris area, supporting one of Bunbury’s fastest-growing residential communities. 

What's the City’s role? 

As this application is being assessed by the SDAU (a State Government body), the City’s role is as a referral agency, providing comment on the proposal rather than making the determination.  

The City received referral from the SDAU in June 2025 and public advertising closed in mid-2025. 

Where things are up to 

The SDAU is currently reviewing all submissions received and liaising with relevant stakeholders. The determination will be made by the State Government, not the City. 

Next steps: Awaiting SDAU determination. The City will provide community updates as the proposal progresses. 

Expected timeframe: 3 to 5 years for full development. 

Tuart Brook, Usher  

A substantial 541,380m² (54+ hectare) privately-owned site identified for future residential development. This is one of Bunbury’s largest remaining greenfield sites and represents a significant future housing contribution for the city. 

The Tuart Brook Local Structure Plan was originally endorsed by the WA Planning Commission in June 2014. In 2025, an amended Local Structure Plan was submitted outlining the planned subdivision and development of approximately 878 residential lots – a major addition to Bunbury’s future housing supply. 

What’s the City's role? 

As a privately-owned site with a WAPC-endorsed structure plan, the City’s role is in reviewing and providing comment on planning applications as they progress through the statutory process. The amended structure plan is currently under consideration by the WAPC. 

Why this site matters for Bunbury 

At 54 hectares with capacity for approximately 878 lots, Tuart Brook represents one of Bunbury’s last major greenfield development opportunities of this scale. As the city continues to grow, the balance between greenfield development on the urban fringe and infill development within established areas will be an important conversation for our community. 

This site is a significant part of Bunbury’s long-term housing pipeline and demonstrates that the City’s broader housing response includes private development at scale, not just City-owned land. 

Where things are up to 

The amended Local Structure Plan is currently under consideration by the WA Planning Commission. Development will be staged over many years as demand requires. 

Next steps: Awaiting WAPC determination on amended structure plan. Subdivision and development will progress in stages subject to relevant approvals. The City will provide community updates as the proposal progresses. 

Expected timeframe: 5–10 years (staged development).