Revised Wanju and Waterloo plans released for public submissions

Revised draft Wanju and Waterloo Industrial Park district structure plans have been released for public comment.

The first drafts for Wanju, released in 2016, and Waterloo, released in 2017, have been adjusted to account for the realignment of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.

It also takes into account the result of Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s pre-development water modelling, further relevant background studies and comments received after the release of the first draft plan.

Dardanup shire president Mick Bennett said it was exciting to see the plans continue to proceed after changes to the ring road pushed the timeline back a year.

He said he believed the new alignment of the ring road was more suitable.

“In order to get the trucks further away from suburbia, I think it’s really good,” he said.

“Even though we’ve lost 12 months, I think we’re happy with the changes. As a council, we are now able to start looking at how we develop them internally.”

Public submissions will be open until May 10 and Cr Bennett said he hoped plans would be ticked off by July.

“Then we can start looking at doing all the things we need to do, such as rezoning,” he said.

The Wanju plan covers 1205ha bordered by the Collie River to the north, Forrest Highway and Hynes Road to the west, the Australind train line to the south and the proposed Bunbury Outer Ring Road to the East.

The Waterloo plans cover 1356ha bordered by Martin-Pelusey and Waterloo roads.

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said the South West was experiencing fast growth and it was important there was enough appropriate land available.

“The Wanju and Waterloo Industrial Park district structure plans will help shape the future of the region but it is important we take our time to get it right,” she said.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the plans would create opportunities in the South West.

“Once developed, these areas could support around 4000 jobs close to good transport links and the Bunbury Port,” he said.

“I encourage businesses and locals to review the revised plans and have their say.”