New ECEC build in Bunbury encounters opposition from locals

A proposal to build a 70-place double storey early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in the regional West Australian city of Bunbury has encountered opposition from neighbours who are worried about noise pollution from children playing, and parents slamming car doors. 

 

The proposed service would be located in a sought after heritage neighbourhood, with the site currently occupied by an old weatherboard cottage on a large corner block. Concerned neighbours have delivered letters to others in the area, claiming the facility will “have a negative impact on our quiet and safe neighbourhood”.

 

The anonymous letter, only signed off by “Karri Street Residents”, encouraged neighbours to voice their concerns to the local council.

 

Slated for what is known locally as the “tree street precinct” the development is planned in a long-established neighbourhood in hilly terrain behind Bunbury’s town centre, where many of the roads are named after significant native trees.

 

‘Tree street’ has, in the past, been promoted as an attractive selling point in local real estate marketing. The block is just 200 metres from the long-established Bunbury Primary School, which this year celebrated 60 years of operation.

 

Residents are concerned that the proximity of the service to the school would add to traffic congestion in the area. Bunbury Mayor Jaysen De San Miguel said the city had received more than 40 public submissions about the proposal.

 

While there is a “growing need” for more ECEC provision in the city, the Mayor said the residents’ concerns would be “fully addressed” ahead of the proposal being considered by Council, most likely in October. 

 

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