The City of Bunbury has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term vitality and diversification of the Bunbury City Centre and established commercial precincts, following consideration of concerns raised regarding the proposed relocation of Bunnings to Dalyellup.
Published 09 June 2026, updated 10 June 2026
At its meeting on Tuesday 9 June 2026, Council noted concerns raised by the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of local businesses and confirmed the City’s existing advocacy through the formal planning process.
The City acknowledges the important role that major hardware and trade retailers play in servicing regional communities. However, it has lodged a formal submission with the State Development Assessment Unit raising a number of planning concerns about the proposal.
These include that the site is currently set aside for housing under the approved local plan, and that approving the development would mean the loss of well-located residential land at a time of high housing demand. The City has also raised concerns about potential impacts on nearby residents and how well the proposal fits with the surrounding area.
Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the City had taken a clear position through the appropriate channels.
“We’ve formally opposed this DA on significant planning grounds, including the loss of future residential land at a time when housing supply is one of the biggest challenges facing our region and the State,” Mayor Miguel said.
“Bunbury’s future is not defined by any single tenancy decision. We are a growing, diversifying city with significant investment underway, and Council’s focus remains on building a City Centre that is resilient, activated, and attractive for businesses and the community alike.”
Council also authorised the Mayor to write directly to Bunnings and Minister for Planning John Carey, expressing Council’s strong preference for the retention of a Bunnings presence within Bunbury’s established commercial precincts.
“I’ve already raised my concerns with the Minister directly – this resolution gives that advocacy the formal backing of the full Council,” Mayor Miguel said.
“I’ll also be writing to Bunnings directly to make our position clear – we want them in Bunbury.
"We’d welcome a conversation about how that can work, whether at the current site or elsewhere within our established commercial areas. But I also want to be clear – our City Centre’s future doesn’t rest on one business. We’re investing in a diverse, resilient City Centre regardless.”
Council further requested the CEO prepare a report on current and planned initiatives to support the ongoing vitality of the City Centre.
The Development Application remains under assessment by the State Development Assessment Unit.
