The City of Bunbury is negotiating a lease for the Back Beach Hospitality Venue with a Bunbury Geographe based business. Council’s original preferred lessee, whose owners live in the South West, has since withdrawn from the process.
Published 11 November 2026
In line with Council’s resolution of 20 October 2026 (Council Decision 180/26), the lease has been offered to the second-ranked respondent.
Claims circulating in the community and in media coverage that the lease is being negotiated with an operator from outside the South West are incorrect.
City of Bunbury CEO Alan Ferris said the City wanted to correct the record.
“People deserve accurate information about a venue that matters this much to our community. We’re negotiating with a Bunbury Geographe based business, and they’ll be introduced to the community when the proposed lease is advertised,” Mr Ferris said.
“Every submission was assessed against the same published selection criteria, including collaboration and partnerships with local organisations, businesses and suppliers. We thank all respondents, including the well-respected local businesses who took part.
“The City is committed to supporting local business. We’re equally committed to attracting new investment and new ideas to Bunbury, and to creating opportunities that bring jobs and activity to our city. A great Back Beach venue will do both.
“Behind every business are real people, and that includes everyone who put in a submission. We ask the community to keep the conversation respectful.”
The lease is not final. Once it’s finalised, it will be advertised publicly for 14 days under section 3.58 of the Local Government Act 1995, and anyone can make a submission during that period.
