Comment on draft strategy for Exmouth coast

Exmouth's considerable tourism potential will help improve its economic base and ensure a confident future for the town, Planning Minister David Smith said today.

Mr Smith was commenting on the release of the draft 'Exmouth Coastal Strategy', prepared by the Department of Planning and Urban Development.

The study was undertaken to determine a long-term planning policy for Exmouth's coastal zone.

Mr Smith said the study had been undertaken as a priority in an attempt to counter community concerns over the town's future, given the uncertainty over the future operations at the US Naval Communications Station.

"Research has shown that the natural environment of the North-West Cape is attractive to both tourists and residents and although the coastal environment is very fragile and sensitive in certain areas, there are areas which can sustain appropriate tourism developments," Mr Smith said.

"The strategy represents a balanced and sustainable approach to the allocation of land uses and shows that some development can take place in sympathy with the unique attractions of the area."

The report recommends that any future tourist development should be concentrated in the vicinity of the town site, to take advantage of existing infrastructure and to ensure that the developments will not adversely affect the viability of the Exmouth town site.

For both environmental and economic reasons, the report also recommends that development be limited on the western coast of the Cape to areas which have no over-riding environmental constraints.

The report specifically proposes that some further low-key development could be accommodated at Tantabiddi, and that the recreational facilities near the sea search and rescue building should be upgraded.

Mr Smith said all development proposals would be subject to rigorous environmental assessment and that all tourist attractions and facilities would need to be carefully managed to prevent damage from exploitation or over-use of the environment.

The Exmouth coastal strategy has been prepared in consultation with the community and is now being released in draft form to allow people to provide their suggestions and comments on the proposals.

Only after considering public comments and the responses of public and private sector organisations will the draft strategy proceed to a final plan.

Copies of the draft report are available from the shire office or from the Department of Planning and Urban Development - (09) 264 7777.