Unveiling the Strategy Behind BORR’s Urban Design

The Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) is more than just a network of roads, bridges and interchanges. It’s a story about our culture, our landscape and community that surrounds it. The urban design strategy offered an opportunity for local and Aboriginal artists to come together to tell this story.

Published: 22 March 2024, Updated: 22 March 2024



The vision for BORR was to create road infrastructure around Bunbury that did more than just facilitate efficient and safer traffic flow. Using an urban design strategy, the project team created a vibrant vision that would appeal to residents and tourists visiting the South West.

The development of the urban design strategy came about through consultation with focus groups, including the Aboriginal Heritage Advisory Group, as well as community feedback through public surveys in July 2021 and September 2023.

The theme chosen for the urban design was the Noongar Six Seasons:

1. Birak (December-January)
2. Bunuru (February-March)
3. Djeran (April-May)
4. Makuru (June-July)
5. Djilba (August-September)
6. Kambarang (October-November)

BORR 220324 - Raymond Road




BORR - Bussell Highway

Within this theme, the artwork across the project bridges and noise walls will incorporate the various elements of the surrounding environment, being ocean, river, sky, earth, farmland, bushland and forest.

  • To tell the story of the unfolding six Noongar seasons, six bridges along the alignment were selected.
  • The Paris Road and Clifton Road interchange will showcase the warm sunset hues of Djilba.
  • The Raymond Road interchange will display the earthy clay tones of the Collie River during Kambarang.
  • The South Western Highway (north) interchange will reflect the vibrant farmland-inspired colours of Birak.
  • The Mega-Bridge at Boyanup-Picton Road will display the season of Bunuru with orange, earthy shades.
  • The Yalinda Drive bridge will show the green tones of bush and forest during Djeran.
  • The BORR/Bussell Highway interchange will have the cool blue tones of a Makuru sunset amidst the darker blues of a stormy, seasonal sea.

 Artist in the Spotlight: Melissa Riley on the Paris Road and Clifton Road interchange

Melissa Riley, a local Noongar artist, is the visionary behind the Djilba-inspired artwork that commuters will see as they transition from Forrest Highway and onto the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.

Her artwork incorporates the aesthetic of the richly coloured evening sky during the first spring with local peppermint trees and banksias, and reflects her heritage and family song lines.

 
 To hear more about the urban design strategy on BORR and Melissa’s story, make sure to check out the video below.

Back to Project News

Acknowledgement of country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Tell us what you think

Help us improve our website by sharing your thoughts and suggestions.

Provide feedback