Bunbury harbour access under review

Transport Minister Dean Nalder will have the final say on the future of the Outer Harbour amid demands the land should be returned to the community.

The South Western Times can reveal the Southern Ports Authority, which manages ports in Bunbury, Albany and Esperance, is preparing a report for the minister to consider later this year.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman confirmed the authority is reviewing the future of the Outer Harbour.

"The new SPA CEO (Nicolas Fertin) is reviewing the Bunbury Port's Inner and Outer Harbour strategies and engaging with stakeholders on the matter," she said.

"The Minister will receive a recommendation from the SPA board about the Outer Harbour in the coming months."

This comes after Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly told the _Times _ last month the authority should give the land back to the community as soon as possible.

Access to a once-popular beach, which was used for fishing and surfing, has been restricted because of security concerns.

Cr Kelly claimed the authority and the former Bunbury Ports Authority had no exit plan to leave the Outer Harbour.

However, the department spokeswoman said the authority had agreed to transfer 2.95ha of land at the Outer Harbour to the State Government after December 31, 2018.

"SPA's prime objective is to facilitate trade in a safe and efficient manner for the region and is committed to working cooperatively with all stakeholders concerning future opportunities for improving community amenities in Bunbury," she said.

In a letter to Cr Kelly, the authority chairman Roger Hussey said the board had requested the review of the Outer Harbour.