THE STATE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL EXAMINE EXISTING AND FUTURE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COASTAL SETTLEMENTS TO “ALLOW MORE WEST AUSTRALIANS AND TOURISTS ACCESS TO OUR MAGNIFICENT COASTLINE.”
The new “Coastal Towns and Settlements Cabinet Subcommittee” will investigate the development and revitalisation of priority coastal settlements and examine future coastal sites, particularly on the south coast of Western Australia.
The new committee will look at access issues, services, infrastructure, land tenure and any other issues preventing progress in the target areas.
One of the barriers that all coastal developments have to contend with is SPP 2.6 the State Coastal Strategy. This State Planning Policy, which was revised by the Western Australian Planning Commission in 2013, lists development under Item Seven, “Variations.” Item Six is “Tsunamis.”
At first glance policy sounds reasonable. It talks about development being allowed for public recreation purposes on the provison that the development is to be removed or modified should it be threatened by erosion or creates an erosion threat to other land. All good so far. The problem is the policy then goes on to provide examples of permitted development such as minor car parks, public ablutions, barbeque areas, playgrounds, ramps, paths etc. Not a cafe in sight.
You are permitted to develop in “coastal nodes” but the policy says that you should avoid areas of high natural landscape, which runs contrary to the concept of opening up tourist areas which is the Premier’s aim.
UDIA has always put forward the concept of “managed retreat” for areas along the coast so that people can enjoy the amenity of our beautiful beaches but no permanent structures are compromised. Whilst the policy guidelines reflect that approach, the State Planning Policy, which sets the legal framework, is far more restrictive.
On a weekend in summer it is already challenging to get to our existing nodes like Hillary’s and Cottesloe and we will need more nodes along our coastline to accommodate our growing population and to provide for family holidays to some of our stunning beaches in regional areas.
The science of coastal management is now well established and, whilst development remains a sensitive issue, it can be managed very effectively if a pragmatic approach is taken. Hopefully the new Cabinet Subcommittee will be able to work their way through the issues that have been so challenging for the development industry and deliver ongoing opportunities for more Western Australians to enjoy our coast line.