The Wishlist

Survey 2 snapshot

What the Community Said About Big Ideas for Kununurra

After exploring the “Big Ideas” for Kununurra’s Town Centre and Lake Foreshore, we asked the community to help shape the direction by completing Survey 2: The Wishlist. More than 370 people took part, sharing what they supported, what they had questions about and what they wanted to see prioritised in the future.

What We Heard Loud and Clear

The survey showed strong support for making Kununurra safer, greener and more welcoming. People agreed that improvements must tackle the basics first: clean and safe public toilets, more shade and trees, safe crossings, caravan and long-vehicle parking, and spaces that feel comfortable for families, young people, and Elders.

“More trees and shade along footpath. I would walk to get lunch instead of driving 500m.”

The Town Centre

Town Square: Almost 80% of respondents supported creating a Town Square, especially if it is shaded, safe, close to Coles and activated with events.

White Gum Park to Messmate Precinct: Most people agreed this should remain the core town centre area, but asked for better safety, greenery, parking and activation of shopfronts.

Laneways and Alfresco Spaces: There was interest in laneways, but only if designed with strong lighting, good sightlines and regular maintenance. Alfresco dining and parklets were popular if designed for Kununurra’s climate.

“The Town Square is the single most important improvement that could be made.”

The Foreshore

The Lake Kununurra Foreshore is one of our town’s greatest assets, and the community told us they want it to be active, accessible and respectful of Country.

Top priorities included: swimming jetties, shaded rest areas, boardwalks, family play spaces and improved trails.

People strongly supported the idea of a Cultural Trail from White Gum Park to Celebrity Tree Park, led by Aboriginal voices, with shaded paths, storytelling and seating along the way.

While there was enthusiasm for small cafés or kiosks, the message was clear: keep development low-key, community-friendly and true to Kununurra’s character.

“Love all these ideas. It’s [Lake Foreshore] a magnificent part of the [Kununurra] area… and should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone with the proposed improvements.”

Key Precincts

• Swim Beach: Strong support for upgrades such as shaded seating, BBQs, safe swimming areas and a dog-friendly zone. Many wanted the boat ramp relocated to reduce conflicts between swimmers, boats and dogs.

• Lily Lagoon and Celebrity Tree Park: Seen as a major opportunity for events, recreation and cultural recognition. People supported more family facilities, careful café opportunities and better maintenance of natural areas.

• Coolibah Drive, Cotton Tree Avenue, Papuana Street, Banksia Street and Messmate Way: Each drew support for upgrades, with practical asks like shaded footpaths, safer crossings, better lighting and shopfront improvements.

  
  

Public Art and Quick Wins

Functional art such as shade shelters, artistic lighting and murals received strong backing. For “quick wins,” the top requests were:

1. Greening and planting projects

2. Markets and community events

3. Small upgrades to the shopping centre

4. Activities to support walking and cycling

What’s Next

Survey 2 gave us a wishlist of what the Kununurra community values most, for practical improvements as well as big-picture opportunities. These insights are now guiding the next phase of Kununurra Reimagined, as we move from ideas into shaping draft designs and staging plans.

These insights were crucial in shaping Chapter 3: Time to Get Real. As always, the vision for Kununurra’s future will continue to be guided by you – the community at the heart of this place.