WA Planning Commission blocks Bunnings' proposed megastore near Bunbury

A proposal by Bunnings to construct a new megastore on a Dalyellup site, ten kilometres from its existing Bunbury store, was turned down by the WA Planning Commission. Officials highlighted that the land had been identified in the local structure plan for housing, and a big-box retail use did not represent the "highest and best use" of the area. Business and political figures in Bunbury argued the move would erode the city’s status as a regional hub and remove valuable residential land amid a housing crisis.

The commission’s chair, Emma Cole, described the application as particularly challenging. Bunnings’ property and store development manager Garry Hames said the company would consider its next steps, while the retailer’s consultant Daniel Lewis disputed claims that the site could have been used for housing. Housing advocates such as Anglicare’s Lisa Whittaker and developer Justin Trewren warned the loss of over 100 shovel-ready lots would exacerbate local shortages.