Published on Thursday, 14 August 2025 at 11:15:37 AM
In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, the City of Busselton has now attracted a proposal for a new luxury hotel to be built on the world class Busselton foreshore.
The original Busselton Foreshore Master Plan was adopted in 2012, and comprises approximately 38 hectares of combined commercial, cultural and public space, right on the water’s edge adjacent to the iconic Busselton Jetty. Three short stay accommodation sites were earmarked within this precinct, with the highly successful Hilton Garden Inn already having been built and now successfully operating on one of the sites. The remaining two sites were recently promoted as flagship investment opportunities by Tourism Western Australia, noting the regular flight services from the Busselton Margaret River Airport to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, and the Council has now made the decision to open the door for negotiation with a key proponent for the construction of a new hotel at one of these locations.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “This decision will enable the proponent to move forward with progressing a detailed proposal for development of Hotel Site 1, which is an exciting next step as we continue on our journey to develop the Busselton foreshore.”
“The recently published Margaret River Region Investment Prospectus demonstrates a current shortfall of tourism accommodation to meet ongoing and future demand, so the City remains keen to explore opportunities to bring about quality accommodation development that achieves these strategic goals. Attracting a proponent of this calibre is a testament to the success of the foreshore development the City has delivered over the last decade. The City’s vision and drive have resulted in our local community and visitors being able to enjoy incredible public infrastructure and a superb range of fantastic new food and beverage venues. With our new performing arts and convention centre, Saltwater, set to open next year, our foreshore is fast becoming one of the most sought after destinations in Australia” he said.
The development proposal for a new luxury hotel is in line with Council’s long term strategy for the Busselton foreshore and consistent with the 2021 Busselton Foreshore Structure Plan, which provides for development of hotels, serviced apartments and ancillary use such restaurants, shops and bars at the three foreshore short stay accommodation sites.
Negotiation of a development deed will enable both parties to agree to certain details upon which the City will prepare a business plan with an overall assessment of the proposed development, which will be advertised for public comment. As the foreshore land is located within a public reserve, the City will also negotiate with the State of WA to secure tenure of the site. The Council will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the hotel development after the business plan has been advertised and all public submissions have been considered.
Council’s vision for development of the Busselton foreshore as a key community and tourist hub dates back to 2009, with the establishment of a Busselton Foreshore Working Group. This group had the remit to prepare a staged plan for the redevelopment of the Busselton foreshore in consultation with the community and key stakeholders, and this resulted in adoption of the Busselton Foreshore Master Plan in 2012.
To read more about the Busselton Foreshore Master Plan and the history of these proposals, visit: Busselton Foreshore Precinct » City of Busselton
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Place – Responsible planning is helping the region to experience sustainable growth with retention and enhancement of our unique character, identity and lifestyle.
Image for general use: Busselton foreshore depicting Hotel Site 1.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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