Safe Active Streets: Stirling Street Upgrade

Project Overview

The City of Bunbury is upgrading Stirling Street as part of the Safe Active Streets Program, funded by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. This project will make Stirling Street safer and more attractive for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

View the construction drawings below:

What is Safe Active Streets?

Safe Active Streets is a Western Australian initiative designed to create quieter, safer, and more comfortable local streets where people of all ages and abilities can walk and ride with confidence. The program was developed in response to research showing that many people are hesitant to cycle due to concerns about sharing the road with motor vehicles.

The Safe Active Streets Program trialled and refined traffic‑calming treatments to create low‑stress routes that make walking and cycling easier and more appealing. Its key objectives include reducing vehicle speeds and volumes, increasing the number of local trips made by bike or on foot, and establishing streets that feel safe and welcoming for everyday use.

Safe Active Streets has already been successfully delivered in several local governments, including the Cities of Bayswater, Joondalup and Vincent, demonstrating how people‑friendly street design can strengthen neighbourhoods and support healthier, more sustainable travel choices across WA. Find out more via the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure

What’s changing?

• Landscaping and tree planting for improved visual appeal.
• Raised intersections for safer pedestrian crossings and slower vehicle speeds.
• Traffic calming measures including slow points to reduce speed.
• Speed limit to be reduced to 30km/h.

Why is this happening?

Community feedback showed strong support for creating safer, more active streets. This upgrade will:

• Improve safety for all road users.
• Enhance the amenity of Stirling Street.
• Support walking and cycling as healthy, sustainable transport options.

When will works start?

Stage 1 will take place from the corner of Charles Street to just before the Albert Road intersection. The works will be carried out in sections to help reduce the impact to resident and road users, and will be undertaken as follows:

• Charles Street to Moore Street: March – April 2026 (approximately 5 weeks)
• Moore Street to Stanley Street: April – May 2026 (approximately 4 weeks)
• Stanley Street to Stirling Street Boat Ramp: May - June 2026 (approximately 4 weeks)

The contractor will work closely with residents to ensure access to homes and properties is maintained as much as possible. Some temporary changes may occur, but every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. Traffic management will be in place while works are underway.

What to expect during works

• Traffic management: Temporary road closures and detours.
• Property access: Maintained wherever possible; contractors will liaise with residents.
• Construction impacts: Noise and dust may occur, but will be managed.
• Optional dilapidation reports: Available for adjacent property owners for peace of mind.

Optional property condition assessment

For extra peace of mind, property owners directly adjacent to the work area can request a free, independent assessment of their property's current condition before work begins.

This is entirely optional. While we expect minimal impact from these works, this service is available if you'd like a professional record for your own files.

Interested? Simply register via the form below or email Amanda Blunsdon by 25 February 2026, and we'll contact you to arrange a convenient time for the assessment.

Please note, the first stage of assessments must be completed before 15 March to allow time before works begin.

Not requesting an assessment does not affect your ability to raise concerns with us at any time during or after construction.

Community information session

We welcome you to meet our project team and encourage all interested residents to join us at Frank Buswell Foreshore for an informal chat, view the new road design and ask any questions you may have about the project:

• Thursday 19 February: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Friday 20 February: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
  Location: Frank Buswell Park

If you can’t make either of these days and times, please feel free to call Amanda Blunsdon, Project Coordinator, on the contact details below. Amanda will be your point of contact throughout this process.

Stay updated

Visit this page regularly for updates, and detailed plans. For any questions prior to or during the works, please contact Amanda Blunsdon, Project Coordinator on 9792 7089 or email info@bunbury.wa.gov.au