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Candidates dig in over tourism

Headshot of Nicolette Barbas
Nicolette BarbasSouth Western Times
Things to do in Bunbury. CREDIT: FRANCES ANDRIJICH
Camera IconThings to do in Bunbury. CREDIT: FRANCES ANDRIJICH Credit: FRANCES ANDRIJICH

A political war over tourism campaigns in Bunbury has been ignited with Bunbury Liberal candidate Matt Foreman suggesting Bunbury MLA Don Punch is trying to win over voters prior to the election in March.

Mr Foreman has slammed the Labor State Government for not doing enough to promote tourism in Bunbury saying Bunbury needs an advocate for the full term of Government, not just the months coming up to an election.

“After doing practically nothing for 31/2 years, we finally see some new signage announced as the election draws closer, but that’s just not good enough,” Mr Foreman said.

“The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a fantastic attraction, funded by Royalty for Regions and delivered thanks to all the hard work of our previous MLA,” Mr Foreman said.

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“But what new plans has this Government delivered to make Bunbury more attractive to visit or live in the four years they have been in power?

“They haven’t even got close to completing what they said they would on the waterfront project.

“If they had been working hard for Bunbury the past four years we may have some more unique attractions here.”

Mr Foreman said the WA Liberals planned to make the whole city more attractive, vibrant and liveable by attracting investment and creating jobs.

“One such idea is to build WA’s first ocean pool at Rocky Point, which would be something iconic and unique to Bunbury” he said.

Bunbury has been short-changed again and deserves better.

“This city needs someone from Bunbury representing Bunbury in Parliament, not someone representing Parliament in Bunbury.”

However, Mr Punch said the biggest asset the State Government put in place was the rebuild of the Bunbury Dolphin Centre.

“We put in place a revamp of the waterfront works which are designed specifically to make Bunbury a great place for both locals and visitors alike,” Mr Punch said.

“Fairly shortly after I came into office we had the investment for the new digital signage, it took the City of Bunbury a bit of time to work that contract through but they have put that signage in place.

“The investment of the State Government has been geared into building up the infrastructure of Bunbury to make it more of a destination, the recovery program post-COVID and marketing/promoting Bunbury to a domestic market.

“The informal feedback I am getting from retailers and operators is that this investment has paid off and that tourism is flowing.”

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