Mayor backs Plaza plans

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the economic benefits of an expanded shopping centre should not be risked because of "perceptions" of more cars near a primary school.

The council will tonight consider an application to rezone land near the Bunbury City Plaza Shopping Centre for a multi-million-dollar expansion.

But the proposal has raised concerns from parents of South Bunbury Primary School because of fears there will be more cars entering Prosser Street.

A traffic management plan commissioned by the developers predicts the expanded shopping centre could increase traffic on Prosser Street by 2 per cent.

Mr Brennan said council staff agree with the findings of the traffic study and the small increase was manageable.

"I can understand the perception but let's deal with facts and science," he said.

"And the facts to me indicate it is manageable and won't create a conflict."

Mr Brennan said some of the benefits include more jobs from the expanded Woolworths and construction of the centre and a contemporary shopping centre for residents.

"There are a huge number of economic and social benefits from the plaza shopping centre," he said.

"I understand that the tenant requires in-out traffic movement on Prosser Street and if they don't get it then I understand it will jeopardise the whole project."

There were 15 official submissions in response to the proposal and most were concerned of a myriad of traffic problems from an expanded shopping centre.

Parents of South Bunbury Primary School children are expected to attend tonight's meeting.