Questions mount over Saltwater Busselton costs, delays and debt as opening date remains uncertain

The City of Busselton is still unable to provide an opening date for Saltwater, despite confirming more than 900 event days have already been booked starting this year and running into 2028. At the city’s annual general meeting of electors on Monday, the long-awaited project generated a plethora of questions from community members, asking for details including the total cost, a timeline for completion and how the city plans to manage debt as a result of the project’s overspend. Community member Keith Sims questioned how the booked event days were being allocated and asked the council to provide a breakdown by category, along with projected income. City economic and business development director Maxine Palmer told attendees that booked event days had reached 975, which included 606 art exhibition days, 118 performing arts days, 80 conference days, 71 festival days, 41 community event days, 36 internal booking days, 14 award ceremonies, four meetings days and three function days. “We are forecasting a total gross revenue of $1,743,206 in the financial year for those bookings,” she said. And for some in the community, the disruption caused by the project represents short-term pain for long-term gain. Busselton performing arts school Acting Up director Terry Thompson said he had always supported the idea of a performing arts centre in Busselton as an opportunity for young people to take to a bigger stage, but acknowledged the cost and construction blowouts. “It was always anticipated to be a place for the community, not just for high-flying acts to come in,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for young people and people in the future to enjoy.” Mr Thompson admitted the ongoing construction had a direct impact on local groups, with the Busselton Repertory Club also affected by the loss of the Weld Theatre during construction. “Busselton Repertory Club had to move out because it was part of the building site,” Mr Thompson said. “While that was taking place, the theatre wasn’t being used and the Weld Theatre was one of the main venues that we use at Acting Up for our productions and Busselton Fringe Festival, which Acting Up also organises.” As a result, Acting Up did not stage a major production last year due to the lack of a suitable venue. The Repertory Club had no choice but to relocate performances, staging shows in venues such as high schools and the Senior Citizens’ Centre. Despite the setbacks, Mr Thompson remained optimistic about Saltwater’s potential. “We’re watching with enthusiasm, but the delays have definitely put a bit of a damper on things,” he said. “With around 100 students each term doing drama, acting, music and theatre, performing in front of 650 people would be an incredible experience for them.” Vasse MLA Libby Mettam also weighed in on the project, saying the outcome might have been different if the council had listened to community concerns. “The concern about this excessive investment has always been how it stacks up against other increasing priorities in the region, in particular sporting infrastructure to support growing number of families in the region,” she said. “We are currently seeing hundreds of kids turned away from basketball due to a lack of court space, there are desperate needs for upgrading our facilities and ovals and we are one of the only regions without a 50-metre pool. “There is no doubt the State Government have short-changed this region, however, putting more money into such a facility — given other competing demands — does not stack up.” Speaking on the Interim Saltwater Learnings Report, Busselton mayor Phill Cronin said taking the time to reflect on the project had delivered valuable insights that would support the city in continually improving, adapting and upholding ethical and effective decision-making. “Saltwater Busselton represents a major investment in the city’s arts and cultural future,” he said. “The city’s focus remains on completing the facility and making it accessible to the community as soon as possible. “Priority is being given to usable spaces such as the gallery, foyer, function and rehearsal room, and Weld Theatre, with the main auditorium to follow.” Busselton Area Ratepayers and Residents Association representative Jane Bennett said the Saltwater project continued to cause widespread community discord. “This is applicable to the current and future financial burden for residents,” she said. “The community should not feel ignored when expressing concerns and opinions and its sense that tourism is more valued by council, than the concerns of the community. “Given that the indirect costs of this project will most likely never be identifiable, the question is ‘how much more will residents and ratepayers be paying for this building to function? Do residents and ratepayers feel there will be transparency and accountability in the answer to this question?’” A comprehensive final report is due to be presented once Saltwater Busselton opens later this year.