Published on Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 4:06:20 PM
At Wednesday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 January 2026, Council received the Saltwater Busselton Interim Project Learnings Report, which provides early insights into the delivery of this significant community facility. A comprehensive final report will be presented six months after the venue’s official opening.
The report forms part of Council’s commitment to continuous improvement and reflects on the project journey to date. It draws on historical City records, the development of the Saltwater History, and Council decisions dating back to 2010, providing valuable context and perspective.
Importantly, the review is designed to strengthen how future major projects are delivered by the City. Early learnings reinforce the value of having a clear and shared vision for projects of significant scale. As a result, it is proposed that future major projects adopt Council-endorsed Project Visions and Project Parameters to provide clear direction and consistency throughout a project’s lifecycle. These will be clearly referenced in reports to Council and the Strategic Projects Committee.
The report also highlights opportunities to further enhance project definition, governance, communication and risk management, particularly in challenging construction environments. In response, the City has already taken proactive steps, including the implementation of a Project Management Framework and the appointment of a Project Management Officer to strengthen internal capability.
Early engagement with stakeholders across business events, tourism, performing arts, education and local businesses has already proven successful, helping to build strong future audiences and secure bookings for the venue. An independent KPMG report in 2024 made suggestions for the Council to consider and noted that the operational business plan, including costs and revenues, was accurate and conservative.
Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said: “Taking the time to reflect on an important community facility like Saltwater Busselton has delivered valuable insights that will support the City to continually improve, adapt and uphold ethical and effective decision-making.”
“Saltwater Busselton represents a major investment in the City’s arts and cultural future. The venue has already secured more than 700 booked days extending through to 2028, with the Saltwater Gallery accounting for around half of the programming in place for the next two and a half years.”
“The City’s focus remains on completing the facility and making it accessible to the community as soon as possible. Priority is being given to usable spaces such as the gallery, foyer, function and rehearsal room, and Weld Theatre, with the main auditorium to follow.”
A comprehensive final report will be presented once Saltwater Busselton opens later this year.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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