Swimming pontoons, waterfront dining and nature trails envisioned in SWEK Lake Kununurra foreshore plan

Its a Kimberley town on the edge of a magnificent reservoir and wetlands filled with wildlife — but unless you have a boat it’s hard for locals to take full advantage of Lake Kununurra. The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley wants to change that with ambitious plans for the Lake Kununurra foreshore which includes a swimming pontoon, a new boat ramp, nature trails and more waterfront dining areas like the much-loved PumpHouse. SWEK have released the draft Lake Kununurra Foreshore Plan which reimagines almost six kilometres of waterfront between the Diversion Dam and Kununurra Racecourse and now they are seeking community feedback on their ideas. Shire President David Menzel said the town of Kununurra had developed in such a way that it had “turned its back to the water.” “The interface between the town and the foreshore is sub-optimal,” he said. “The majority of residents might not be aware that we live on the side of one of the most attractive assets in the Kimberley, Lake Kununurrra. Unless you have a boat or drive out to Swim Beach there is little access for residents to the water.” At Swim Beach, the draft plan recommends a swimming pontoon, new nature playground and sand placed on the foreshore as well as formalised parking and room for pop-up food vans The plan also suggests removing the boat ramp and building a new one on the waterfront near the Kununurra Racecourse. On the foreshore in front of Lake Kununurra Golf Club, a new commercial precinct is envisaged of restaurants, shops and recreational facilities to sit alongside the PumpHouse restaurant. The plan also includes a foreshore walking trail from Swim Beach to Lakeside Drive at Discovery Inlet and the creation of a beach at Lily lagoon with barbecues and picnic tables. Around Elephant Rock the plan has identified an 18ha area for rural residential blocks ranging from 2000-5000sqm. A small commercial area is also recommended around the Ord River Paddlers Club for water-based activities and businesses. SWEK are now seeking federal funding to complete a more comprehensive plan for the Kununurra Lake foreshore. The Shire is also seeking public feedback to the draft plan at www.shapeyourshire.com/foreshore.html