General News

Further to the City’s media release of 19 July 2021, in response to community concerns surrounding the proposed Smiths Beach Development, City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley has today formally written on behalf of Council, to the Hon. Rita Saffioti BBus MLA, Minister for Transport; Planning; Ports and Development.

The City is aware of plans for a proposed development at Smiths Beach and the intention for the proponents to progress the project through the State’s ‘significant development’ pathway rather than through Council or the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel.

The City of Busselton is progressing plans to commence the removal of sediment from the Lower Vasse River, with the aim of improving water quality.

Last night Council made one of its toughest decisions yet, evaluating tenders for the construction of the Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre. Three tenders were received, all of which came in well over the anticipated budget of $24.5 million and the overall project budget of $28.5 million (excluding GST).

Respondents to the 2020 City of Busselton Community Satisfaction Survey have rated the City very highly as a great ‘place to live’. The City scored 88 points out of 100 on the ‘place to live’ performance indicator – up from the 2017 survey result and a clear 13 points above the industry average.

Entries are now open for the highly anticipated 2020 City of Busselton Art Award!

The City of Busselton confirms detection of Ross River Virus in adult mosquitoes recently collected in the South West and Busselton region.

If you have ever considered entering a piece of artwork in Dunsborough’s Sculpture by the Bay, 2021 is the year to go for it!

The City has engaged Alluvium Consulting Australia Pty Ltd to develop Living Stream designs for the Lower Vasse River. The intention behind this approach is to create conditions less favourable to algal blooms in the river. This may involve removing sediment, revegetation works, changes to the river’s shape and the creation of a diversity of habitats. Water treatment options may also considered.

The City of Busselton is working with the Busselton Repertory Club and Acting Up to achieve the seamless integration of the historic Weld Theatre into the new Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

New Recreational Websites Ready to Launch

Contrary to discussions within the community that the City has dismissed concerns and the call for a special meeting of electors, the City’s Councillors and Chief Executive Officer are keen to facilitate the request for an electors meeting on the Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre as soon as possible.

Rio Tinto has partnered with the City of Busselton to assist local community groups and not-for-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

On Friday 3 July 2020 at 4.00pm the City will see its new bridge across the Vasse River formally opened by the Hon. Nola Marino MP and Deputy Mayor Kelly Hick. Members of the public are welcome to join in the opening that celebrates a major milestone for improving the City’s overall road network.

The City of Busselton will be the first site in the South West to enjoy the network benefits of battery storage, after securing a site for one of Western Power’s 10 community batteries.

Australia’s last remaining steam engine, the Ballaarat, will mark its 150th year in 2021 and members of the public with memories, photos or family connections are invited to contribute to a special exhibition which will be held in Busselton in August next year.

Phase 3 easing of COVID-19 restrictions come into effect at midnight on Friday 5 June 2020.

In response to Premier Mark McGowan’s announcement of further easing of COVID-19 restrictions (effective May 18); the City of Busselton will re-open a range of facilities and services temporarily closed in March.

The City has implemented a Business Support Program which provides “quick response” grants to City of Busselton businesses impacted by restrictions put in place to curb COVID-19 infection.

Anzac Day, 25 April 2020 is one of the most important days on our national calendar and this year will be an Anzac Day like no other.

The City of Busselton has taken proactive steps to keep staff gainfully employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

The result of audits being undertaken on the registration plates of vehicles parked at boat ramps and popular surf breaks in the City of Busselton indicate that many people from outside regions are flouting the internal border closures to undertake recreational pursuits in the South West.

A range of Economic and Community Response measures to the COVID-19 Pandemic were endorsed by the City of Busselton Council at a special meeting held last night.

The Mayor of Busselton Grant Henley has made a direct plea to accommodation providers in the South West to cancel all bookings for at least the next four weeks.

The City of Busselton has strongly reiterated the Premiers’ directive for people not to undertake unnecessary travel and to cancel holiday plans to regional Western Australia. It is imperative that people obey this directive if we are to kerb the spread of the Coronavirus across the State. It is also important to note that regional health resources, including those here in the City of Busselton, are simply not set-up to cope with a major influx of people.

It is with much regret that the City of Busselton and Busselton Jetty Inc. jointly announce the temporary halt of tourist operations along the iconic Busselton Jetty. The Underwater Observatory, Interpretive Centre and Train Rides have been temporarily closed in an effort to kerb the spread of the Coronavirus.

The City of Busselton has made the decision to close the Naturaliste Community Centre (NCC) and both the Busselton and Dunsborough Libraries effective at close of business today (Friday 20 March 2020).

Qantas and Jetstar announced today a reduction in domestic flights. One of the flights which has been suspended is the new Melbourne to Busselton route which was scheduled for launch on 25 March 2020.

In response to escalating directives around social distancing and indoor gatherings as pre-emptive measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, the City of Busselton has decided to close the Geographe Leisure Centre (GLC) effective 9pm today (18 March 2020).

Removal of the majority of the original tennis courts and centre fencing commenced today at the old Busselton Tennis Club on Marine Terrace Busselton. The courts and associated infrastructure are being removed to provide greater pedestrian accessibility between the foreshore and the Busselton town centre via the Queen Street Cultural Precinct.