Beach works to draw in tourists

A multimillion-dollar makeover of the Bunbury waterfront will cement the booming regional city as a destination for interstate and international visitors, according to WA's peak tourism body.

A ceremony was held at Koombana Bay yesterday to mark the start of the project.

The revamp will give pedestrians and cyclists better access to the public ski beach, foreshore and neighbouring Marlston Hill. Grassed areas will feature barbecues, picnic tables and viewing areas over the bay. When finished, the area will boast a mix of retail, cafe and residential buildings ranging from four to six storeys high.

Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said the development would be Bunbury's version of Elizabeth Quay, which would be a boon for local businesses and a major drawcard for tourists.

The State Government has committed $24 million for stage one of the development. Work on the ski beach will be in progress until April.