Bunbury backs waterfront

Ambitious plans to revamp Bunbury's waterfront have received almost universal approval, according to the South West Development Commission.

Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said 95 per cent of the 170 public submissions had been in favour of the multi-million-dollar development of Koombana Beach and Casuarina Harbour.

"We will be looking at tweaking some of the minor details within the vision as a result of comments submitted, but the overall message received is that people are looking forward to seeing the vision realised and want the project to proceed as soon as possible," Mr Punch said.

"The public consultation highlighted the importance of amenity.

"It also underlined the opportunities for new mixed-used development and found that people were focused on the importance of marine infrastructure for the growing boating community."

Mr Punch said a review of the public submission showed a concern for water quality but this would be dealt with in the environmental review process.

The Koombana Beach development, considered the first stage of the plan worth about $22 million, includes replacing unused space with grassed areas, playgrounds and parks, an amphitheatre on the beach and extending the rock groyne to include fishing and swimming platforms.

The plan also includes redeveloping the Dolphin Discovery Centre to enhance the "world class" tourist attraction.

The organising committee considers the second and third stages of the development to focus on Casuarina Harbour which is envisaged to include multi-storey, mixed-use development including cafes, shops and more boat pens.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman has already given in-principle support for the project but wants to see the full plan before he decides to give it his backing.