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Group hoping to open motor museum in Bunbury

Headshot of Shannon Verhagen
Shannon VerhagenSouth Western Times
Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum Management Group member Claude Pesce hopes council votes to enter into a MOU with the group to develop a motor museum in Bunbury.
Camera IconBunbury Geographe Motor Museum Management Group member Claude Pesce hopes council votes to enter into a MOU with the group to develop a motor museum in Bunbury. Credit: Shannon Verhagen

A group of local businesspeople and car enthusiasts are hoping they get the green light to develop a motor museum showcasing the South West’s finest vintage vehicles, racing cars and motorcycles in Bunbury.

Bunbury city councillors on Tuesday night will vote on whether the council enters into a Memorandum of Understanding with Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum Management Group to bring it one step closer to a reality.

The not-for-profit group is led by Paul Stubber, who is one of three directors of the WA Motor Museum in Perth and believes the museum could become “iconic”.

There are a number of people in Bunbury and the South West who own some of the finest classic and vintage cars to rival any in the country.

Paul Stubber

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Modelling from Regional Development WA estimated the museum could bring in 18,000 visitors each year, driving an extra $2.2 million of spending into the Bunbury economy.

Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum Management Group member Claude Pesce hopes council votes to enter into a MOU with the group to develop a motor museum in Bunbury.
Camera IconBunbury Geographe Motor Museum Management Group member Claude Pesce hopes council votes to enter into a MOU with the group to develop a motor museum in Bunbury. Credit: Shannon Verhagen

Each Classic Car meet they would hold was estimated to bring a further $353,200 in spending to the area.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said no decision had been made yet, and councillors would next week vote on recommendations.

It is anticipated that a Motor Museum in Bunbury’s CBD has strong potential to add another visitor experience and attraction to the city.

Gary Brennan

The old South’s Furniture building — which is about 1100sq m and is vacant at the moment — on Wellington Street has been identified as a suitable location.

If entered into, the agreement would involve a $150,000 commitment from the council to make the premises fit for the purpose, while the group members would contribute a total of $100,000.

“Upgrades are required so the building is safe and accessible, and meets the minimum requirements as set out in the Building Code of Australia,” Mr Brennan said.

Mr Stubber said the group was keen to help grow Bunbury as a destination and if it was to go ahead, it would bring tourists from across the country to see the hidden treasures usually tucked away in people’s garages.

If passed, the group will need to present a business case and lease proposal to the council prior to any lease negotiations.

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