Time to Get Real - Which Ideas Should We Run With?

Our third round of community forums marked an important step in the Kununurra Reimagined journey. With hundreds of responses to Survey 2 and strong participation in Chapter 2 Forums, this stage was about moving from blue-sky thinking to grounded options. Together, we started shaping the draft masterplans and asking: Which ideas should we take forward?

What We Heard in Survey 2

Feedback from the second survey provided valuable input into what the community wanted Kununurra's future to look like and ideas for inclusion in Chapter 3. In the Town Centre, most proposals were very supported, with strong backing for safer pedestrian paths, tree-lined streets and community spaces. A few proposals were less supported, such as Cotton Tree Avenue becoming a one-way street and relocating the skatepark from White Gum Park. On the Foreshore, people supported better trails, swimming areas and gathering spaces, but voiced concerns about developments that could reduce public access, such as boutique hotels or large commercial facilities.

Draft Masterplans on the Table

Using this feedback, draft masterplans were presented for both the Town Centre and Foreshore. Big moves include:

• A bold new Town Square: envisioned as a cultural heart and gathering space, activating the town centre day and night. This is located on Konkerberry Drive opposite Coles, between Banksia and Papuana Streets.

• A Youth Hub Precinct: building on existing recreation facilities and adding a new skatepark (moved from White Gum Park), play spaces and hang-out areas. This would be on Coolibah Drive where the existing Leisure and Splash Park facilities are.

• A Cultural Trail: linking White Gum Park through to Celebrity Tree Park, honouring and sharing Miriwoong stories with art, planting, lighting and rest spots.

• Safer, greener streets: landscaped medians, tree avenues, wider paths and shaded seating throughout the Town Centre and Foreshore areas.

• New foreshore activity zones: from an upgraded Swim Beach with play features, to trails and lookouts throughout the M1 Precinct, tiered lawns and beach access to Lily Lagoon at Celebrity Tree Park, flexible event spaces near the Racecourse, as well as a new Welcome to WA Centre with safer walkways near the new Messmate Way x Victoria Highway round-about.

These draft plans are ambitious but achievable, designed to make Kununurra safer, more welcoming and more vibrant for locals and visitors alike over the next 20 years.

Spotlight on Public Art and Activation

Chapter 3 also introduced a vision for public art woven through the town and foreshore. Led with Miriwoong Gajerrong cultural leadership, the proposed art typologies would tell stories, create shade and comfort through through functional art, as well as support local artists and young people. Alongside this, economic activation principles highlighted how anchor tenants, pedestrian movement and well-placed community facilities can ensure the town centre thrives.

Next Steps – Have Your Say

The forums ended with a clear challenge: now is the time to decide which ideas should move forward. Survey 3 is open until Friday 26 September and your input will directly shape the finalised draft masterplans. The next stage will refine these plans further, with Forum 4 in November focusing solely on the Town Centre. From there, we’ll head into finalising strategies for 2026 and beyond.

This is where your voice matters most – it’s time to get real, prioritise, and choose the future we want for Kununurra.