Bunbury City Council releases Local Housing Strategy accommodating for population double by 2050

Bunbury City Council has revealed a future housing plan which will help it account for a predicted doubling in the population of the Bunbury-Geographe region by 2050. The Local Housing Strategy earmarks eight regions for housing growth in the 15-20 year course of the plan which it hopes will “maintain a balance in the mix and availability of housing types” as the region’s population moves towards 200,000 in the next 30 years. The Bunbury Homemaker Centre, the Back Beach Tourism precinct, Bunbury Forum district and the Bunbury Train Station are all spaces the council hopes to be able to use for housing in the future. Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan admitted that with less availability, housing affordability was becoming an issue in the South West. “It is no secret that housing affordability is a growing problem across the region, and the State, and it’s an issue that has become even more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “It is the responsibility of the City of Bunbury to help maximise the housing opportunities to support the health and growth of Bunbury.” The strategy also accounts for changes in living habits, which have seen the number of people living at each residence reduce. “The Local Housing Strategy and accompanying action plan will help facilitate a mix of housing choices for Bunbury and our community, providing opportunities and a choice for families with dependents, singles and older residents looking to downsize,” Mr Brennan said. The council has also released an action plan, with 21 items to help it implement the strategy, including working with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and advocating for Bunbury to be recognised as WA’s second city. The action plan will also establish planning reviews for the eight focus areas identified in the strategy. “This strategy marks an important step towards addressing housing needs and affordability in Bunbury, and I look forward to tracking the progress as the action plan items are achieved,” Mr Brennan said.