SWAMS Medical Hub Development

A health and community hub providing primary health care, chronic disease management, community meeting spaces, and culturally safe services.

South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) is the project lead. Perkins Builders is the head contractor. MCG Architects and Hunt Architects designed the facility.

In 2019, Bunbury City Council endorsed transferring the site to SWAMS for the development of a regional health campus. This decision followed proper processes to address identified community need for health and family support services infrastructure. The City granted development approval in 2020 (amended in 2024) and the land was formally transferred in 2025 following SWAMS securing the necessary project funding. The City is not involved in project delivery, construction, or service operation.

In 2019, Council made the decision (Council Decision 157/19) to transfer the Jaycee Park site to SWAMS specifically for development of a regional health campus to address community need for health and family support services. The land was a Crown Reserve under City management, which was first transferred from the State to the City, then to SWAMS. This was not a sale – the transfer was to enable community services infrastructure.

The purpose-built facility is designed specifically for integrated health and family support services with cultural design elements, contamination remediation of this site, and incorporation of public open space. The location was identified as suitable to serve the region’s needs. An existing building would not provide the purpose-designed spaces, cultural elements, or remediated public open space this development delivers.

Yes, public consultation occurred during the development application process. The application was publicly advertised in 2020, and community submissions were received and considered as part of the City’s planning assessment. This feedback informed the City’s recommendation and approval conditions when development approval was granted by the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel in 2020. An amended approval was granted in 2025.

While a standalone social impact assessment was not required under planning legislation, impacts including traffic, amenity, and surrounding land uses were assessed as part of the approval conditions.

Community notification about construction was managed by SWAMS as project lead.

For project details including budget, contact SWAMS directly.

No, the site is closed during construction for public safety, particularly during contamination remediation works. Closure during construction is a legislative requirement to protect the public from construction and contamination hazards. The eastern portion of the site will reopen as improved public open space once construction is complete.

Food truck operators were notified when the land transfer was finalised in 2025 and trading licenses for this location concluded. Food trucks typically post their daily or weekly locations on their social media pages. Follow your favourite operators on social media to stay updated on where they’re trading, or contact the City on 9792 7000 for information about licensed food truck operators in Bunbury.

The site has historical contamination that must be removed for community safety.

Site remediation requires removal of large volumes of contaminated soil. This extensive soil removal will severely impact tree root systems, meaning trees cannot survive the remediation process even if initially left in place. For this reason, trees in contaminated areas must be removed before remediation works begin. Leaving contamination on site would also pose ongoing health risks. Trees will be retained where safely possible.

This is a safety-critical process required under environmental approvals. New landscaping will be included in the completed development, and removed vegetation will be disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements.

The existing playground equipment was aging infrastructure located on contaminated land. Removal is necessary for site remediation works and construction. The playground was underutilised in recent years.

Decisions about future playground infrastructure is SWAMS’ responsibility as the project lead and landowner. For information about whether playground facilities will be included in the completed development, contact SWAMS.

For a full list of playgrounds in Bunbury, visit Parks and Playgrounds | City of Bunbury

Some noise is unavoidable during construction. Perkins Builders will work within approved hours (7am to 5pm Monday to Saturday) and implement measures to minimise disruption where possible.

Dust suppression measures will be implemented during earthworks and construction. If you experience excessive dust, contact SWAMS, Perkins Builders or the City (contact details below).

During construction, there will be construction vehicle movements. Traffic management measures will be in place. Major traffic impacts are expected during road works in mid-late 2027. We will notify our community closer to these works.

Contact SWAMS on 9797 8111, Perkins Builders on 9721 7300 or the City on 9792 7000.

The facility will include community spaces and a café that will be available to the public. For details about services and access, contact SWAMS.

For information about health services and eligibility, contact SWAMS on 9797 8111 or visit www.swams.com.au

Yes. The eastern portion of the site will reopen as public open space, designed with Noongar cultural influences.

The site will be fully remediated in accordance with environmental approvals and the Site Remediation Plan, removing all contamination. This will result in a safer and healthier site.

Yes. The development includes 154 car parking bays (including 4 accessible bays) and 36 bicycle parking spaces.

For detailed project information including construction updates and FAQs, visit the SWAMS project page: www.swams.com.au/early-site-works-begin-for-swams-health-hub