Youth precinct has a way to go

Mayor Gary Brennan has encouraged those against a youth precinct being located at Luciana Park to “get on board” and be involved in the process.
Bunbury City Council last week voted the waterfront site — opposite the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre — as the location for the long-awaited precinct.
The location received overwhelming support from those who took part in the consultation process, but also attracted criticism and questions about if the precinct was the best use of the prime land.
Mr Brennan who, alongside councillors Michelle Steck and Tresslyn Smith, voted against the location argued the council was waiting on a report about a broader plan for connectivity in the CBD and raised concerns that Luciana Park would be part of that.
Mr Brennan told the South Western Times, the decision had been made, the next consultation process was vital and it would be “many months” before the precinct would start to take shape.
“The debate has been held ... it’s been conducted, the vote’s been taken and the decision is that’s the land to build the youth precinct,” Mr Brennan said.
“It’ll take several months of consultations, I think it would be many, many months before it comes back (to council).
“The consultation process alone will be significant. The consultants will then be asked to come up with a concept.
“So the consultation’s about what should go in there ... and that process really does demand that we engage closely with our whole community, including the people who objected to that site.
“Once all that’s been looked at, then the concept will be prepared and that will come back to council for a decision on how it’s to be funded and when. It’s a long term project in my view.”
The council has allocated $50,000 for consultants, but is yet to commit any further funding for the precinct.
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