Universal access call for marine upgrade plan

Universal access should be a key feature of any plans for a long-awaited upgrade of Bunbury's marine facilities.

That was the message delivered to the Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront committee, which is spearheading a sweeping upgrade, at a meeting near Koombana Bay Yacht Club on Thursday.

Groups that presented views on the issue of accessibility included Rotary's Sail into Life, Enable South West, and the Bunbury City Council access committee.

Access committee chairman Cr Brendan Kelly said the new marine facilities should be "universally accessible".

"In other words, if it is somebody in a wheelchair, mum or dad with a pram, somebody who has done a knee in football or netball, nanna who is unsteady on her feet - everybody should be able to access the facilities on the public promenade that is part of the design," he said.

Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront committee chairman John Castrilli welcomed the input from the groups and said there would be more opportunities for comment.

"We all agree that planning for public facilities which are top-class and accessible to all members of our community is crucial to the success of this project," Mr Castrilli said.

"The public promenade will become a wonderful focal point for local residents and visitors.

"The facility would offer a range of uses and appeal, including for Rotary's Sail into Life program, as a place for families to take a relaxed stroll or to provide an accessible area for someone in a wheelchair to be able to enjoy the coastline and get an up-close view of all waterfront activities."

A draft design plan for an upgrade of Bunbury's waterfront areas is expected to be released for public comment in the next few months.