Published on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 3:48:42 PM
There has been plenty of conversation - and some misinformation - about the new sauna business coming to the Esperance foreshore, and the Shire is keen to make sure the community has the facts.
Several enquiries were received over the second half of 2024 from private businesses interested in operating a sauna on the foreshore. Given the level of interest, Shire officers determined a formal Expression of Interest process would be required. This was launched in December 2024, advertised on social media, the Esperance Weekender, the West Australian, and the Shire’s website, Tender platform and noticeboards, and closed in late January 2025.
Council considered what had been submitted through this process at the February 2025 Council Meeting behind closed doors, as is proper for details of confidential business information, and in line with the Local Government Act 1995. The land-only lease awarded will be charged at a square‑metre rate, set in consultation with local real estate to reflect foreshore rental values, again as per the Local Government Act 1995.
Chatter on social media that Councillors profited from the lease is false. Integrity and transparency are non‑negotiable for Council and the Shire; anyone holding concerns should write directly to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries or the Corruption and Crime Commission so the matter can be investigated.
Councillors are legally required to declare any Financial, Proximity or Impartiality Interest at every Ordinary Council Meeting, with the declarations recorded in the Minutes of each Meeting and easily accessible online. If a Councillor has a Financial or Proximity Interest, they must leave the room and cannot vote on the matter.
The land‑only lease means the Shire will provide the site and the private business will install its own purpose‑built module, just like the businesses already operating at the Jetty Headland.
These arrangements come at no cost to the Shire and will generate income, following the proven model of the Jetty Headland land-only leases. This system gives businesses flexibility, as they own the modules and can relocate them to another site or sell it as they need. The risk and cost are borne entirely by the operator, making it in their own interests to succeed.
Preparations for the sauna have meant the fenced area for the adjoining playground has been reduced. This playground is scheduled for review and possible renewal next financial year, when decisions about the size of the fenced area and the play equipment will be made. The picnic table and benches will remain in their current position, now located outside the fenced playground.
The sauna is tipped to be a vibrant new attraction for the foreshore, sensibly located beside the James Street Swim Enclosure where swimmers already enjoy changing and showering facilities. In winter it will offer a taste of Nordic culture, with visitors able to enjoy the sauna before plunging into the sea. In summer, it will provide a refreshing way to warm up before cooling off in Esperance’s naturally chilly waters. This is a fresh concept for Esperance, taking advantage of our natural elements and environment, and Council is proud to contribute towards business success and unique experiences in our region.
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