Iconic old waterfall not returning as part of planned facelift to Bunbury’s ‘lacklustre’ Boulters Heights

Bunbury residents are invited to pitch their grand ideas to transform a reserve in the CBD — but don’t go chasing waterfalls, because the Bunbury City Council says that historic feature will not be making a comeback to Boulters Heights. Offering panoramic views of the city and coastline, Boulters Heights has long found itself in the firing line as community members and councillors have called for the lacklustre spot to be developed to reach its potential. The CBD park underwent a facelift in 1966 when a man-made waterfall was constructed for a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. While water no longer flows at the installation, the waterfall remains a core memory for some long-time Bunbury residents, many of whom reminisce about the times laundry powder was added to turn the waterfall bubbly and snowy in appearance. The council has released its draft master plan for the reserve and is encouraging residents to have their say on the proposed developments and contribute fresh ideas they think would improve the space. Its vision includes three themes of restoring balance, activating underutilised spaces, and retaining and promoting lookout opportunities from the reserves. Ideas from community members have included promoting the destination as an exercise hotspot similar to Jacob’s Ladder in Perth, and installing better lighting, with many calling for the old waterfall to be resurrected. While Mayor Jaysen Miguel told the Herald it was not feasible to reinstall the waterfall, he said the council proposed using feature lighting to reference the old icon. A new urban timber staircase waterfall is included in the plan to create a new focal point for the City and use lighting to celebrate the old waterfall. Mr Miguel said it was no secret Boulters Heights needed upgrades and attention, but it was a unique and important part of the CBD. “The draft master plan developed by the City is an exciting step towards this CBD reserve reaching its full potential and becoming even more of an attraction that both our community and visitors can enjoy,” he said. Other proposed elements include upgrades to the two existing lookouts and new sculpture and interpretive elements. Feedback on the draft plan can be submitted until December 17.