Motorists will be further enticed to visit Bunbury, thanks to the installation of a new eye-catching entry statement welcoming people to the city.
Warmly greeting travellers with a “kaya” or “hello” in Noongar language, the digital billboard at the northern entry to Bunbury promotes local attractions and events to encourage people to explore what the Bunbury Geographe region has to offer.
The entry statement has been jointly funded by the City of Bunbury and State Government, with each contributing $200,000 to the project.
Funding from the State Government was delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through the South West Development Commission.
Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the entry statement was the realisation of a State Government commitment to support Bunbury’s aspirations as a destination.
“The City of Bunbury have created an incredibly eye-catching way marker on the doorstep to our city to invite people in,” Mr Punch said.
“I was particularly pleased to see recognition of the traditional Noongar owners of the Bunbury area incorporated into the statement and commend the City for their inclusive promotion of all Bunbury has to offer.”
SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said the entry statement creates a sense of arrival and a glimpse of the local experiences available for visitors.
“There used to be a perception amongst some travellers that Bunbury was a place to bypass on the way down south. This is no longer the case,” Ms Teede said.
“Projects such as the State Government’s Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project have greatly improved the city through the revitalisation of the Koombana Foreshore and the redevelopment of the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
“There is also amazing street art, heritage trails and a great selection of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore – just some of the reasons for visitors to turn right at the roundabout.”
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said there were more reasons than ever for visitors to stop in Bunbury and the new billboard would act as a striking reminder for motorists.
“Bunbury has plenty to offer and this is being realised by more and more visitors to our City, but this new digital billboard will hopefully entice those few who are perhaps unaware of its attractions and opportunities,” Mayor Brennan said.
“The positioning of the billboard is the perfect location to catch people’s attention and to tempt them to stop in Bunbury.”
The entrance statement is located at the northern information bay on the Forrest Highway, north of the Bunbury Farmers Market.
