Bunbury comes alive with games

Koombana Bay will be transformed into a carnival of sport and fun this weekend when the WA leg of the Australian Beach Games comes to town.

Mayor Gary Brennan said he was excited to see another big event visit the city, which was set for a big few months of sporting action.

“I give credit to everyone involved, especially all the sporting clubs who spend a lot of hours getting this to happen,” Mr Brennan said.

He said he anticipated an influx of people into the city to participate in and watch the games, with sports such as soccer, basketball, darts and table tennis to be contested.

“I would expect there would be several hundred (people coming to town),” he said.

“And we would hope they are staying for more than one night.

“This adds a lot of money into our economy through accommodation, food and other services.

“It is a big deal for us and that is why we contribute cash towards these events.

“We realise it is a good investment for our community.”

The three-day event which starts tomorrow is not just for the sporting inclined, with a beach party to go all weekend.

More than 20 food trucks as well as live music and children’s activities will be on hand to cater for the whole family.

Mr Brennan said it was not just sporting events that he wanted to see come to Bunbury.

“We can cater to everybody’s needs here in Bunbury,” he said.

“We obviously collaborate with Busselton to make sure when we have events we work with each other.

“Busselton is a very important part of what we do, but here we are getting more and more interest.”

Mr Brennan said the announcement of the fourth round of the Triathlon Series’ Bunbury City Classic on Sunday, March 25, epitomised the city’s growth as an events hotspot.

“I think 1200 competitors will be coming,” he said.