Industrial park aims to boost city’s status

Landcorp has told Bunbury it needs to make use of the city’s limited industrial land to cement its status as an important regional centre.

The warning comes as LandCorp pushes ahead with plans for a big industrial park south-east of the Bunbury CBD, consisting of 28 landholdings of government and private owners including the Water Corporation and the South West Development Commission.

The park, which is roughly 500ha, has drawn criticism from environmentalists who want to save pockets of remnant native vegetation within the estate.

LandCorp industrial business manager David Lewis said industrial land which was considered high quality was becoming increasingly constrained

‘‘Preston Industrial Park has long been recognised for its strategic location close to road and rail transport infrastructure and its proximity to Bunbury’s port and city centre,’’ Mr Lewis said.

‘‘The Greater Bunbury region will be expected to support 10,000 jobs by 2031.

‘‘Through high quality planning, Preston Industrial Park will meet much of this demand, creating significant economic benefits and cementing Bunbury’s status as an important regional city.’’

The park will be bounded by Australind Bypass, South Western Highway and Willinge Drive and provide 270ha for development while retaining 234ha of bushland. Mr Lewis said the park would strike a practical balance between job creation and conservation.