What benefits has Saltwater delivered since opening?
Since first opening in May 2026, the venue has hosted a range of successful sellout performances, attracted strong audience attendance, supported local artists and community groups, and provided new cultural and social opportunities for the community. Saltwater has also experienced strong business events bookings and has received positive feedback from performers, patrons, community groups, and event organisers. Within 3 months of opening, the venue had welcomed over 17,000 visitors through the doors.
What types of events are being hosted at Saltwater?
The venue supports a diverse range of activities including professional performances, art exhibitions, local productions, school events, community celebrations, business events, workshops, and cultural events. To view the latest program, visit the Saltwater Busselton website.
Are local community groups able to use Saltwater?
Yes. Saltwater is designed to support both professional productions and local community use, providing opportunities for local talent, schools, and community organisations. Saltwater offers discounted venue hire rates for local not for profit, community groups and schools. To enquire about a booking, please contact the Saltwater Busselton team on 08 9751 4651 or bookings@saltwaterbusselton.com.au
How can residents get involved?
Residents can get involved by attending performances, volunteering, taking part in programs, workshops or community productions, and supporting local arts and cultural initiatives. They can also visit the regularly rotating exhibitions at Saltwater Gallery, which is open daily and free to enter. Local artists are invited to exhibit in the gallery, while an education program provides opportunities for local schools. Saltwater has also created a number of new employment opportunities in Busselton that did not exist previously. To enquire about volunteering, please contact the Saltwater team on 08 9751 4651. Saltwater Busselton is open 10.00am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week, and also for events.
What grants and other funding have been secured to help fund Saltwater Busselton?
The City has attracted over $12million of grants and contributions to help pay for the construction of Saltwater, and over $450K of operating grants. The City would like to thank the following funding partners who have provided significant contributions in support of Saltwater’s construction and future operations.
Capital Grants and Contributions
- The Australian Government has contributed $10.35 million towards construction.
- The Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program provided a funding allocation to the City of Busselton of $1.92 million which was used for construction.
- The State Government has contributed $1.8 million towards construction through a Lotterywest grant.
- Rio Tinto contributed $250,000 towards construction of educational spaces and equipment.
- Origins Markets contributed $30,000 towards the art installation in Saltwater foyer.
Operating Grants
- Support from the State Government through Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries:
- $148,687 towards commissioning an opening theatre production about Busselton
- $210,000 towards the opening 3 years of arts programming for Saltwater
- $61,000 towards Saltwater art gallery programming and staffing for the first 18 months of operations
- Support from the Australian Government through Creative Australia:
- $93,794 towards commissioning an opening theatre production about Busselton
Since the construction contract was awarded, how much have project costs increased?
Capital project costs have increased from the original budget of $44.55 million (set in late 2021) to $58.05 million in 2026, to a current forecast of $60.3M.
How is the City funding extra project costs for Saltwater?
The additional $15.86 million, required since 2021, has been funded through:
- $4.7 million loan from WA Treasury
- $3 million from the Airport Reserve
- $5,264,952 from the Building Reserve
- $1,278,295 from the New Infrastructure Development Reserve
- $340,000 from the Legal Expenses Reserve
- $116,753 from the Community Facilities – City District Reserve Account
- $1,172,665 in funding from the 2025/2026 surplus
Why are borrowings used to fund public infrastructure like Saltwater?
Loans allow the City to deliver important community facilities when they are needed, while spreading the cost over the life of the asset. This ensures future users contribute to the cost. Borrowing also provides financial flexibility and is often cost‑effective due to the favourable interest rates available to local governments. The City’s interest rates for Saltwater loans currently range from 2.1% - 4.94% per annum.
What is the total cost of the loans taken out for Saltwater?
The City will borrow $31.2 million to construct Saltwater. The total cost of these borrowings in interest and fees is $12.1 million.
Why aren't the interest and financing costs included in the project budget for Saltwater?
Interest and financing costs are not included in the Saltwater project budget because they are treated as corporate financing costs, not capital construction costs.
In local government accounting (and most public‑sector project frameworks), a project budget covers the direct cost of delivering the asset, such as:
- Construction
- Professional services (architects, engineers, superintendence)
- Variations and contingency
- Fit‑out and commissioning
In short, the project budget reflects what it costs to build Saltwater, while interest reflects how the City chooses to fund it, which is managed and reported separately. The City has however published the cost of borrowings for full transparency.
Does the City have any further contractual arrangements with the builder?
The City took possession of the site in December 2025. The contractual arrangements with the builder have concluded.
What is happening to complete the works at Saltwater Busselton?
Saltwater Busselton has been open to the community since May 2026 and many people have already enjoyed exhibitions, conferences, shows and events within the venue. The majority of the venue is available for bookings and events, including the art gallery, foyer/bar and convention centre, and the back-of-house facilities, such as kitchens and office space, are fully operational. Some final works to install audio-visual equipment in the main auditorium and conference areas are planned to be completed by the end of 2026/early 2027. Once the auditorium is fully operational and some minor fit-out works and commissioning of systems have been completed, this space will be ready to host for shows, conferences and events for up to 1000 people, which will render the entire venue fully operational.
Are there any outstanding defects or other issues with the building?
There are no known outstanding major defects or other safety issues impacting Saltwater Busselton’s operations. The City has received enquiries about the potential for mould within the building and we can confirm there is no evidence of mould in any part of the venue.