Government presents solution for Smiths Beach development

2/1/03
The State Government has acted to ensure that future development of the Smiths Beach tourism node, in the State's South-West, preserves the area's visual amenity and landscape values.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Gallop Government had approved amendments to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge Statement of Planning Policy.
"We are delivering on our election commitment to the community that we would solve the problem of over-development in this prime coastal location," Ms MacTiernan said.
"These amendments define the Smiths Beach tourism node as land west of Smiths Beach Road and they ensure that residential development will be secondary to tourism development.
"The previous plan allowed for 230 residential lots and 460 short-stay accommodation rooms and would have led to the greater part of the developable area becoming residential.
"Our amendments mean that 70 per cent of the developable area will be used for tourist purposes and only 30 per cent can be used for residential development.
"The new policy also means residential densities will not exceed R25 and it is estimated that the potential number of residential lots will be halved.
"Land set aside for inclusion in the National Park, protection of the Leeuwin-Naturalist Ridge or public open space will not be included in the developable area.
"Most importantly, the policy now reinforces protection of the area's visual amenity and requires that proposed development at Smiths Beach will not compromise the natural landscape.
"The new policy also ensures that there will be comprehensive planning with full community consultation, before specific development proposals for Smiths Beach are considered.
"The Government and the WA Planning Commission will now work with the Shire of Busselton to develop a visual impact analysis and Town Planning Scheme amendments to bring the new policy into effect."
Ms MacTiernan said the amendments had the support of local community organisations, particularly the Smiths Beach action group which had taken an active role in the consultative process.
Minister's office: 9213 6400