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.

October 2026 Update:

Stage 1 is complete and planning for Stage 2 is currently underway. We'll share updates on this page as it progresses.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the community drop in sessions at the Frank Buswell Foreshore in February, and to residents and road users for your patience while works were carried out.

What has changed?
Stage 1 has created a safer, greener and more welcoming street for everyone. The upgrade includes:

• raised intersections for safer pedestrian crossings and slower vehicle speeds
• traffic calming measures, including slow points
• a reduced 30km/h speed limit
• more than 40 semi-mature native flowering trees.

Together, these changes help people walk, ride and drive with more comfort and confidence.

Community engagement

Community input has played an important role in shaping the Stirling Street upgrade. On 19 and 20 February 2026, we held two community drop in sessions at the Frank Buswell Foreshore. We spoke with almost 60 residents and heard firsthand the strong sense of pride our community has in its street and neighbourhood.

We thoughtfully reviewed all of the feedback gathered and made refinements to further enhance the design. Thank you to the residents who took the time to share their views. We sincerely appreciate the constructive and respectful feedback our community provided.

Residents directly impacted by both the previous and updated designs were contacted individually.

View the revised 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

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.

Project stages

Stage 1 ran from the corner of Charles Street to just before the Albert Road intersection. Works were delivered in sections to help reduce the impact on residents and road users:

• Charles Street to Moore Street: March to April 2026
• Moore Street to Stanley Street: April to May 2026
• Stanley Street to Stirling Street Boat Ramp: May to June 2026

Planning for Stage 2 is underway, and we'll share details here, including timing and what to expect, as soon as they are confirmed.

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

Update: The timeframe for requesting a property condition assessment has now closed.

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.

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

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