Published 07 October 2026
Bunbury City Council has resolved to commission an independent review of communications issued following its decision on proposed Local Planning Scheme Amendment No. 16 relating to the Back Beach Precinct.
At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 6 October, Council considered concerns raised by elected members regarding communications following Council Decision 166/26, including a City media release, media interviews and subsequent social media communications.
Council resolved that an independent review was warranted to assess whether the communications accurately reflected the adopted Council resolution and were consistent with applicable governance principles, Council policies and communication protocols.
Council has not made a finding that the communications were inaccurate or that governance or communication processes were not followed. These are matters the independent review will assess.
The review will include:
- assessment of the accuracy of communications in representing Council’s resolution;
- assessment of compliance with applicable governance principles, Council policies and communication protocols;
- confidential engagement with each elected member, providing an opportunity to raise relevant information, evidence, concerns or views; and
- recommendations to improve the accuracy of future communications.
The City’s Chief Executive Officer will now engage a suitably qualified independent governance specialist to undertake the review.
The final cost will depend on the procurement process and agreed scope of work.
A report will be presented to Council at the first Ordinary Council Meeting following completion of the final review report.
Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the independent process would provide an opportunity to objectively consider the concerns raised and identify any improvements for future communications.
“Council has made a decision to seek independent assurance and it is important that we allow that process to occur without pre-empting its findings,” Mayor Miguel said.
“No finding has been made that City communications were inaccurate or that governance processes were breached.
“The review will provide an independent assessment and, importantly, an opportunity to identify any improvements that can strengthen how we communicate significant Council decisions to our community in the future.”
The agenda and minutes from the Special Council Meeting, along with information relating to Council Decision 166/26, are available on the City of Bunbury website.