Laying the Ground Work. What Makes Kununurra Special?

The Kununurra Reimagined journey began with an important first step: laying the groundwork. To kick off the project, Lead Consultants Hassell worked closely with the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and the community to understand what makes Kununurra unique and how these qualities could guide the revitalisation of our Town Centre and Lake Foreshore.

Listening, Learning and Research

Hassell and the Consultant Team carried out a deep analysis of Kununurra – looking at the land, culture, lifestyle, industries and opportunities that shape our town. They reviewed history of the East Kimberley region, including stories of the Miriwoong and Gajerrong people, construction of the dam wall to create Kununurra and how the region has grown through agriculture, tourism and community. This early stage was about listening and learning to ensure Chapter 2 is grounded in the real character of this place.

Celebrating What Makes Kununurra Special

Initial findings presented at the first Community Forum series in June 2025 reminded us how remarkable Kununurra is. It was clear the mighty Ord River and Lake Kununurra frames daily life, from fishing and boating, to simply enjoying the view. Events like the Agricultural Show and the Ord Valley Muster showed the strength of our community spirit. The seasonal shifts from dramatic wet season storms and waterfalls giving way to the clear, cool skies of the dry, painted a backdrop that few places in Australia can match.

Setting the Foundations for the Chapter 2

Chapter 1 was about more than research; it was about creating a shared foundation for the project. By capturing the essence of Kununurra, including cultural heritage, landscapes, community lifestyle and economic strengths, the Consultant Team developed a clear picture of what needed to be honoured and built upon. This groundwork now forms the base for the masterplan, ensuring the next steps reflect not just infrastructure and design, but the heart of the town itself.

Following the first Community Forum series, Survey 1: Understanding how our town works was launched to the public. This survey asked people to share their thoughts on how Kununurra works. The survey responses were developed with the goal of building a clearer understanding of how people live, move, connect and gather in Kununurra so that the masterplan is shaped by the community’s voice.