On 8th June 2011 Minister Brendon Grylls, MLA announced funding to ensure the progress of one of the Shire of Busselton's most important projects -the enhancement of Dunsborough Foreshore.

The Shire secured $3.6 million dollars through the Royalties for Regions grant scheme. This $3.6 million will be directed into the enhancement of the Dunsborough Foreshore, which will enable the project to be fully implemented. This funding gives the green light for construction on major works south of Geographe Bay Road to commence. This includes the development of Seymour Park to include picnic and play areas, and the installation of the waterwise garden. It will also fund the much needed streetscape works along Geographe Bay Road. Works commenced in July 2011 with an anticipated completion date of July 2012.

Council is also keen to gauge the level of community support for a cafe (or cafes) at the Dunsborough Foreshore. Early consultation indicated broad support for the idea but more feedback is needed, particularly regarding the type of cafe/s people think best complements the area and where it (or they) should be located.  Members of the public are invited to complete the following questionnaire. This survey is just one of the mechanisms Council will use to consult with the public on this important issue. The survey closes on July 29, 2011. Please go to the below link to complete the survey.

http://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/node/5394

History

The Shire of Busselton engaged with the community of Dunsborough back in 2008 to develop a plan to manage and maintain the coastal foreshore. The foreshore is approximately 3.5 kilometres in length and required detailed site assessment, with community consultation to develop recommendations on issues such as beach access, weed management, revegetation and the provision of facilities along the foreshore reserve.

The project, over two stages, was conducted jointly by the Dunsborough Yallingup Chamber of Commerce and Industry (inc) (DYCCI), and the University of Western Australia (UWA) Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts. The project was financially supported by the Shire of Busselton, the South West Development Commission and additional funds raised from the community.

Stage One commenced in March 2008, with the University of WA Faculty for Landscape Architecture and Visual Arts facilitating the development of preliminary design concepts through a special community project. This was a one semester design studio which culminated in a public exhibition of 14 conceptual design ideas in Dunsborough during June 2008. Ten of these concepts produced by the fourth year students were exhibited for further public comment in July 2008 at Dunsborough Centrepoint and online.  The public submissions received as a result of the Stage One consultation on the designs, together with the outcomes of a questionnaire, determined the framework for the second stage design process.

Stage Two involved commissioning the UWA Lecturer (Professional Landscape Architect) along with two university graduates, to develop a concept plan which integrated the most popular design elements from Stage One. Additionally, a heritage interpretation report was also included in the project at this point, to maximise opportunities to enhance Dunsborough's community identity, distinctiveness and sense of place.