Rocky Point facelift

14/6/03
The State Government's commitment to revamp and landscape parkland at Rocky Point in Bunbury was celebrated today when South-West Minister Jim McGinty and Bunbury Mayor John Castrilli officially opened the area.
The Government allocated $1.2million to improve and create new facilities for a family-based, foreshore recreation area.
A traditional welcome from local Noongar elders preceded the opening. The elders also chose a new name for the park - Wyalup - which reflected the importance of the area to the Aboriginal community. Wyalup means a 'place of mourning' as in the past, the area was a Noongar burial ground.
Mr McGinty recognised the cultural and spiritual significance of the area to the local Noongar community and said it was fitting to name the park Wyalup.
He said the new recreational improvements helped make the City of Bunbury a more attractive destination for both locals and tourists alike.
"Together with recent works at Koombana Bay, the Rocky Point works expand on building an ideal family-friendly coastal recreation area," the Minister said.
New works on the site included: extensive landscaping, barbecues, shade shelters, paths, new toilet facilities, underground power, defined parking and a realigned roadway.
There was provision for people with mobility impairments to have unrestricted access to the beach.
As well, interpretive signs had been erected with geological, historical and Noongar information on the site.
Mr McGinty said the basaltic rocks at Rocky Point were believed by scientists to be about 40 million years old and were formed with the severing of the Australian and Antarctic continents. The area was used as a quarry for basalt until the 1950s.
Minister's office: 9220 5000