Some influential organisations are involved in the new group, which is called the Community Foreshore Reference Group. They include Busselton Jetty Environment and Conservation Association (BJECA), Busselton Chamber of Commerce, Geographe Bay Tourism Association and Busselton Tennis Club.

The group does not intend to compete with the new Busselton Foreshore Steering Committee. It believes it can make an important contribution to it.

The catalyst for its formation was the desire, on behalf of a number of community-based organisations to find common ground on the Busselton foreshore development.

Group representatives have already met three times and though they previously espoused differing views on the foreshore development, there was a “spirit of cooperation and consensus” to develop a concept plan for the foreshore they could agree upon.

The coordinator of the new group, Jenny Sheehan, said a position paper was being prepared.

The group has defined the area from Ford Road to the Geographe Bay Yacht Club, along Marine Terrace and around SignalPark into Geographe Bay Road as the foreshore area that needs to be redeveloped.

Ms Sheehan said the group did not want any residential development in that precinct, however a boutique hotel on Marine Terrace, opposite the Pioneer Cemetery, was something that could be considered.However, it would not be raucous or barn-like. Whatever is designed for the foreshore needs to be for residents, not for tourists, who would get a spin-off,” Ms Sheehan said.

Of primary importance was the retention of green, open public space, which did not include a residential area.

“We would like to see good beaches and playgrounds, like the one in Donnybrook, and perhaps a sound-shell, and somewhere for small boats to come in.

“The whole concept of four ground leases and money going to the jetty (for ongoing maintenance) needs to be reconsidered. “We’re not sure whether it’s the right approach. There needs to be a good look to see if they are financially viable.