Mt Barker Winery Resort wins State Government planning approval

4/8/03
The State Government has supported a proposal to develop a $20million winery and tourism resort five kilometres south of Mount Barker in Western Australia's Great Southern Region
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has approved an amendment to the Shire of Plantaganet's Town Planning Scheme No. Three, to rezone the site on the eastern side of Albany Highway to Special Sites.
"The amendment will allow a private developer to create 60 strata titled lots on the 308ha site with all but four to be used for growing grapes or other crops such as olives," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The proposal allows for a luxury tourist resort, a convention centre and possibly a winery and an olive oil processing plant.
"It also allocates 135ha as common property to protect existing native vegetation, provide buffers to adjoining land and accommodate water storage dams and drainage lines."
The Minister said the Shire of Plantaganet strongly supported the proposal and none of nine submissions received during the advertising period raised objections.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said a development of the scale proposed was good news for the whole region - not only Mt Barker.
"Builders, tradespeople and suppliers from Albany and around the region all stand to benefit greatly," Mr Watson said
"This project could dramatically increase tourist numbers in the Great Southern and lead to more visitors to our great tourism icons and our fantastic coast and national parks."
Minister's office: 9213 6400