Give back our port: deputy mayor

BUNBURY Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly says the Outer Harbour should be given back to the community.

He said the public should have full access to the Outer Harbour, right out to Point Casuarina, for fishing, surfing and leisure activities.

Instead the area, with once popular beaches, is fenced off to the public.

Cr Kelly said the Southern Ports Authority, which leases the Outer Harbour, was not consulting the community about its future plan for the land.

"I have been aware for quite some time that the Southern Ports Authority and the (former) Bunbury Port Authority had no exit plan for the Outer Harbour," he said.

The Southern Ports Authority has two berths at the Outer Harbour but in the past it has been suggested it could move its operations to the Inner Harbour.

However, the Southern Ports Authority has confirmed it is reviewing its lease on methanol tanks which is believed will expire in 2018.

The land was once earmarked for a world-class waterside development that was compared to Hillarys Boat Harbour and would include recreational, tourism and residential development.

This plan, pitched by former Premier Geoff Gallop, was held up because of Budget constraints and ultimately shelved.

Now, the Marine Facilities Alliance, which includes community representatives, has developed plans for a tourist hub and boat pens at Casuarina Harbour at the beginning of the Outer Harbour.

South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said concept plans for the redevelopment of the Outer Harbour would be presented to the community soon.

He did not foresee any impact because of the Southern Ports Authority reviewing the lease on its methanol tanks.

A Southern Ports Authority spokeswoman said the Marine Facilities Alliance, the South West Development Commission and the Bunbury City Council "have all been included in discussion regarding the Outer Harbour and its future use".

Editorial, page 12